The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective August 25, 2020, in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
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.
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.
Bob Huhn, Public Information Officer | 602-506-6713 (office) | 602-526-7307 (cell) | 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 >
FIND THE FORECAST
ADEQ Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View > |
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
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
| 
