Press Release
Air Quality

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone in the Tucson area, effective June 22, 2018. This HPA is due to levels expected to exceed the federal health standard for ozone.

People most affected by ozone include children, senior citizens, people who work or exercise outdoors and people with pre-existing respiratory disease. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, aggravate asthma and reduce the immune system’s ability to fight off respiratory infections. Ozone-related health problems include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, plus throat and lung irritation.

ADEQ and the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) recommend residents and businesses use the following tips and resources to reduce ozone pollution and make the air healthier to breathe:

  • Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit or telecommute | Sun Tran > | Sun Link >
  • Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
  • Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
  • 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

BACKGROUND

  • High Pollution Advisory (HPA): Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is expected to exceed the federal health standard
  • Health Watch: Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is expected to approach the federal health standard
  • Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction among sunlight, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and VOCs

For the month of June, ADEQ has also issued HPAs for the Tucson area on:

  • Thursday, June 21

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides a daily forecast for air quality and issues HPAs or Health Watches | View Forecast >

Receive air quality forecasts via email and/or text messages for the Tucson area | Subscribe >

ADEQ Public Information Officer Erin Jordan | 602-771-2215 desk/602-540-8072 cell | Email >

Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ), formed in 1989, serves Pima County by protecting public health and the environment. PDEQ operates programs to monitor air and water quality, hazardous waste, solid waste, and assist in waste minimization and pollution prevention. PDEQ also provides public outreach, education, and citizens' assistance; processes environmental permits; and responds to public complaints and inquiries with investigations and enforcement | View Website >

Beth Gorman | 520-724-7446 desk/520-603-0358 cell | Email >