Air Quality Advisory for Particulates and Ozone

The following report was released by the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality for June 20, 2017

Pima County, Ariz. – The hazy skies and disappearing mountain views are linked to wildfires in the region.

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is issuing an air quality advisory due to elevated levels of particulate matter throughout eastern Pima County. According to the National Weather Service, winds are bringing smoke from the Frye Fire near Safford into the Tucson area.

In addition, there is a possibility that strong winds predicted for later today could add airborne dust to the mix of elevated particulates. Particulate levels will likely remain in the air for a day or more until the wind direction and speeds change, or if it rains. Also, when the cloud cover we are currently experiencing dissipates, it is possible that the solar radiation will increase ground-level ozone pollution as well.

Individuals with heart disease and respiratory sensitivities may want to reduce their level of exertion to decrease the amount of particulates they breathe into their lungs. Small particles can travel into the respiratory system and cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Those most at risk may feel better if they avoid outside exercise, stay inside as much as possible, and keep windows and doors closed to help reduce exposure to particulate matter.

Particulate matter is made up of tiny specks of soot, dust, and aerosols that are suspended in the air we breathe. Particulate matter can come from dust from disturbed land that becomes airborne with high winds and also from combustion sources such as cars, industry, and indoor and outside fires.

Air Quality Advisory

Pima County Department of Environmental Quality

Air Quality Advisory ~ Friday, June 16, 2017

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is issuing another ozone advisory today. There is a strong possibility that ozone levels will be elevated throughout the weekend and early next week as well.

Pima County, Ariz. – For the third day in a row, the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is issuing an air quality advisory due to elevated levels of ground-level ozone air pollution in the Tucson metropolitan area. Yesterday’s levels were high enough to exceed the E.PA. health standard for ozone. Today’s readings are increasing by the hour.

Ozone levels may also be elevated for the next few days, as long as current weather conditions persist.

Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort. If sensitive to ozone, individuals may want to limit outside exertion until 6 p.m. when levels of ozone pollution should begin to decrease. Intense outdoor physical activity causes faster and deeper breathing, which allows ozone to penetrate into parts of the lungs that are more likely to be injured.

Those who tend to be more sensitive to ozone include children, adults who are active outdoors, people with respiratory diseases, and certain individuals who have an unusual sensitivity to this particular air pollutant. Individuals who are feeling symptoms should seek medical attention, if necessary.

There are many types of emissions that contribute to the creation of ground-level ozone. Motor vehicle exhaust, industrial and power plant emissions, gasoline vapors, chemical solvents, as well as natural sources such as wildfires, emit oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds that form ozone in the presence of intense sunlight. The following are actions we can take to reduce the production of ground level ozone:

• Reduce driving - combine errands into one trip
• Ride the bus, bike, walk or share a ride with friends and family
• Avoid idling your vehicle’s engine. Refrain from long drive-thru lines; park and go inside instead
• Re-fuel your car after 6 p.m. when fumes are less likely to form ozone
• While re-fueling, always stop at the click
• Make sure your gas cap is tightly sealed after re-fueling
• Check your tire pressure monthly to reduce gasoline use and associated pollution
• Use low VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment
• Conserve electricity to reduce emissions from power plants

PDEQ monitors air pollution in our region at 16 air quality monitoring stations. Up-to-the-hour air pollution levels are available in the air monitoring section of the PDEQ website at www.pima.gov/deq.