[ADEQ Media] ADEQ Issues High Pollution Advisory for Ozone for Thursday, August 16

[media@lists.azdeq.gov]

ADEQ Issues High Pollution Advisory for Ozone for Thursday, August 16

PHOENIX - The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Thursday, August 16 for the Phoenix metropolitan area due to forecast weather conditions which are expected to generate levels of ozone that could exceed unhealthy levels. 

ADEQ recommends that children and adults with respiratory problems avoid outdoor activities on Thursday and suggests that the general public limit outdoor activity throughout the day. Employers participating in the Valley's Trip Reduction Program should implement their pollution reduction action plans and all Valley residents should reduce particulate matter-producing emissions by taking the following steps:

Car pool, use mass transit, telecommute and/or reduce driving. 

Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

Avoid activities that generate dust, such as driving on dirt roads.

Stabilize loose soils. 

Eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.

"We have been fortunate weather-wise, and this is just the second High Pollution Advisory for ozone we have issued this year," ADEQ Director Steve Owens said. "Increasing temperatures and other conditions, however, are contributing to higher ozone levels than we have been experiencing. We urge Valley residents to take steps to help reduce emissions that lead to the formation of ozone."

Ground-level ozone pollution is caused by the interaction of sunlight with the many pollutants generated by automobiles, gasoline-powered lawn equipment and other sources. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, aggravate asthma and other chronic lung conditions, and inflame and damage the cells that line the lungs. Repeated short-term ozone damage to children's developing lungs may lead to reduced lung function in adulthood.

Daily air quality forecasts are on ADEQ's Web site at www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf or by calling (602) 771-2367. Those interested in receiving the air quality forecast via email can subscribe to our forecast list at www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html.

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News media interested in additional information on this or any other topic concerning the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality should contact the Office of Communications at (602) 771-2215 or via email at communications@azdeq.gov.

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