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Ozone pollution exceeds health standard

May 17, 2010



Maricopa County Air Quality Department

 

Maricopa County recorded this year’s first exceedance of the federal health standard for ozone pollution on Saturday. That’s when the Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s West Chandler and North Phoenix monitoring stations recorded elevated levels of the pollutant. 
 
Ground level ozone pollution becomes a problem in the summertime in our region. The pollutant is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds [VOCs] to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal “ozone season.” This year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering the level of the ozone standard because the medical evidence shows that the standard set in 2007 of .075 parts per million may not adequately protect public health. A decision is expected by EPA by the end of August. That decision may lead to not only more HPA and health watch designations but more areas of the state being out of compliance with the standard.
 
Ground level ozone pollution is a direct irritant to lung tissue in addition to triggering asthma and other respiratory symptoms and can damage the lungs from exposure over long periods of time. It can also damage plants and crops and tarnish paint and other items outdoors. Valley air is monitored daily by the department’s 24 air monitoring sites as well as by the Air Quality Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
 
Ozone pollution prevention tips:
·         Drive less. When possible, carpool, van pool or use public transportation
·         Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go inside
·         Refuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours
·         Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers
·         Delay big painting projects until high-pollution advisories or health watches have passed
·         Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air
·         Conserve electricity
 
To track how much pollution your commute generates, visit www.ValleyMetro.org and select ShareTheRide. Sign up to receive air quality updates by email or text message at www.CleanAirMakeMore.com
 
WHO’S WHO?
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides a daily forecast for air quality. When conditions exist, ADEQ will issue high pollution advisories, health watches and alerts. Daily air quality forecasts are on ADEQ’s Web site at www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf or by calling (602)771-2367. Those interested in receiving the air quality forecast via email and/or text alerts can subscribe to ADEQ’s Air Quality Forecasts and Advisories list at www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html
 
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department issues No Burn Day restrictions based on a high pollution advisory or health watch. These No Burn Day restrictions typically occur during the winter months. To find out if any burn restrictions are in place, call 602-506-6400 or visit www.cleanairmakemore.com Information is given in both English and Spanish.
 
To learn more about the Maricopa County residential woodburning restriction ordinance, view a copy on our website www.maricopa.gov/aq Click on the direct link to the residential woodburning restriction ordinance:
 
Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system. www.ValleyMetro.org
 
Media contacts:
 
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Mark Shaffer – (602) 771-2215 desk / (480) 433-9551 mobile
 
Maricopa County Air Quality Department
Holly Ward – (602) 506-6713 desk / (602) 526-7307 mobile
 
Valley Metro
Susan Tierney – (602) 262-4668 desk / (602) 292-4093 mobile
 
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
 

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.


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