PRESS RELEASE | High Pollution Advisory issued for ozone effective July 31, 2020 in the Phoenix area

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective July 31, 2020, in the Phoenix area.  About ADEQ 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.  For more information, visit azdeq.gov. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems. Ground level ozone forms when two types of pollutants—volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen 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. Check the Hourly Air Quality Forecast on the Air Arizona Mobile App Apple iTunes > | Google Play > Health Impacts People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, people with heart or lung disease and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues. Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following: Drive as little as possible Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, if possible Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers – delay big painting projects Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air Be Air Aware! Stay informed and be a part of the ADEQ air quality challenge. Together we can make a difference to improve air quality for everyone in Arizona by following three simple steps. | Learn More > CONTACTS Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) | Provides hourly forecasts for air quality in certain areas of the state and issues HPAs or HWs when the appropriate conditions exist. View Website > Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | Email > Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) | Regulatory agency for air quality in Maricopa County. View Website > Bob Huhn, Public Information Officer | 602-506-6713 (office) | 602-526-7307 (cell) | Email > Valley Metro | Eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County. View Website > Susan Tierney, Communications Manager | 602-523-6004 (office) | Email > 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. Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View > Ozone Fact Sheet | View >