The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued an Ozone and a PM-10 Pollution Advisory for September 6 - 7, 2022.
This HPA is due to levels expected to exceed the federal health standard for ozone and PM-10. ADEQ recommends that the general public limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction among sunlight, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Particulate matter is extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets that circulate in air. Particulate matter comes from combustion (cars, industry, wood burning) or dust stirred up into the air. High levels of particulate matter occur when air is especially stagnant or windy. Two types of particulate matter are measured by state and county agencies: PM-10, commonly called dust, and PM-2.5, commonly called soot. PM-10 refers to dust particles 10 microns or less and PM-2.5 to soot particles 2.5 microns or less.
Here's what you can do:
- Recreational off-highway vehicle use is prohibited during the advisory period.
- Drive as little as possible: carpool or use public transit. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro's Share a Ride.
- Reduce your time waiting in long drive-through lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks, park your car and go inside.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Avoid using leaf blowers.
- Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
- Delay big painting projects until high pollution advisories or health watches have passed.
- Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimineas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Conserve electricity.
- Avoid activities that generate dust, such as driving on dirt roads.
- Stabilize loose soils.
- Eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
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