The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing two ozone High Pollution Advisories (HPAs) for Maricopa County: Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. These HPAs are due to levels that are expected to accumulate enough to exceed the federal health standard.

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, 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.
Visit http://valleymetro.org and http://ShareTheRide.com to plan a transit trip or seek a carpool or vanpool.
Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers and 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.

Visit http://cleanairmakemore.com to learn more about reducing air pollution.

BACKGROUND:

High Pollution Advisory or HPA: The highest level of an air pollutant may exceed the federal health standard.

Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to form.   back...