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Press Release
Air Quality

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone in the Yuma area, effective July 24, 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.

Employers and Travel Reduction Program Transportation Coordinators are advised to activate their HPA Plans immediately. ADEQ further recommends that the general public limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

ADEQ, Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) and Valley Metro 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
  • Re-fuel your vehicle after dark
  • 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

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

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Air Yuma, a free smartphone mobile app to help Yuma area residents, visitors, caregivers, healthcare providers, parents and teachers protect their health and learn simple actions they can take to improve the quality of our air. Air Yuma keeps users informed about regional outdoor air quality conditions and how unhealthy air can affect how we live and breathe. Air Yuma gives smartphone users instant access to real-time outdoor air quality information as easy to understand as weather forecasts.

CONTACTS

ADEQ Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (mobile) | E-mail >