Residents of Maricopa County are being advised to limit their outdoor activities due to an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) issued for Friday, July 18, 2025. The advisory, put forth by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), indicates that ozone levels are expected to rise to potentially unhealthy levels, breaching the federal health standard for ozone.
Ozone pollution is a result of the chemical reactions between sunlight and pollutants from various sources including vehicle emissions and industrial activities. The ADEQ has warned that elevated ozone levels can adversely affect everyone, particularly those with sensitive respiratory systems. According to the advisory, children and individuals with lung diseases like asthma are at an increased risk and should be especially cautious to avoid prolonged exposure.
To combat the increase in ozone levels, the ADEQ, in collaboration with the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD), recommends a series of actions to help reduce emissions. These include promoting telework, using public transportation, avoiding drive-thrus, refueling vehicles after dark, and opting for low-VOC paints. Furthermore, during the HPA, there are specific restrictions in place such as a ban on wood burning in residential areas and a prohibition against government employees operating leaf blowers.
The MCAQD emphasizes the importance of community involvement in mitigating air pollution. "Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air," one of the suggestions made to contain VOC release, as conveyed in the official announcement. The advisory also encourages residents to check Maricopa.gov/AQ for additional tips on how to help decrease air pollution and contribute to a healthier environment.
For those seeking more information about the ozone HPA and air quality efforts, contact Ari Halpert at 602-501-1266 or visit the Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s website. The MCAQD's stated mission is to "improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment," aligning with federal air quality standards established by the Clean Air Act.
