Maricopa County is Growing Fast > Risks to Public Health Living Here

PRESS RELEASE

Health Watch issued for ozone effective April 24, 2019, in Maricopa County

 

Under the Environmental Quality Act of 1986, the Arizona State Legislature established the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in 1987 as the state agency for protecting and enhancing public health and the environment of Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective April 24, 2019, in Maricopa County. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HW is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

Ground level ozone forms when two types of pollutants—volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and nitrous oxides (NOx)—react in sunlight. These pollutants come primarily from automobiles, but also from other sources including industries, power plants and products such as solvents and paints. Generally, the highest levels of ozone occur in the afternoon.

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BACKGROUND

High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.

Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.

 

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