Maricopa County is under an Ozone High Pollution Advisory issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for June 27 through Sunday, June 29. This means ozone levels may be higher than what is considered safe for health. Ozone pollution forms when emissions from cars, factories, and other sources react with sunlight—something more common in spring and summer, according to the Maricopa County.
Breathing in high levels of ozone can harm your lungs and worsen conditions like asthma. Children, older adults, and people with respiratory issues are especially at risk. The advisory encourages everyone—particularly vulnerable groups—to limit time spent outdoors during peak hours, as reported by the Maricopa County.
Reacting to these conditions, both Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department are advising residents and businesses to take a host of specific actions to mitigate ozone pollution and create a healthier breathing environment. Suggested measures include endorsing telework, utilizing public transportation instead of personal vehicles, and avoiding the convenience of drive-thru lines by choosing to park and go inside instead. Sweeping over leaf blowing, refueling vehicles after sundown, and using lower VOC paints are among the other recommended strategies to reduce pollutants that contribute to ozone formation, according to the Maricopa County.
During the duration of the High Pollution Advisory, there are also mandatory restrictions in place: wood burning in residential fireplaces, outdoor fires, and the operation of leaf blowers by government employees and contractors is prohibited, as is off-road vehicle usage. Though these measures might disrupt some usual activities, they’re seen as necessary steps to curb local air pollution and safeguard public health by Maricopa County Air Quality Department, whose stated mission involves ensuring Maricopa County's air is clean for living, working, and recreation.
For those requiring additional information or interested in learning more about how to contribute to reducing air pollution in Maricopa County, the official advisory encourages a visit to the Maricopa County Air Quality Department website. As the region braces for the impact of high ozone levels, officials and residents alike are being called to action to help maintain clean air and protect vulnerable populations.
