High Pollution Advisory For Phoenix Metropolitan

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory for today, for the Phoenix metropolitan area due to forecast ground-level ozone concentrations expected to exceed air quality standards. This is the 1st ozone-based High Pollution Advisory issued in 2006.

ADEQ recommends that children & adults with respiratory problems avoid outdoor activities on today & suggests that the general public limit outdoor activity throughout the day.

Employers participating in the Valley's Trip Reduction Program should implement their pollution reduction action plans & all Valley motorists should reduce ozone-producing emissions by taking the following steps:

* Car pool, use mass transit, walk, bicycle, telecommute &/or reduce driving.
* Make sure tires are properly inflated & wheels aligned.
* Make arrangements to telecommute 1 or more days per week if possible.
* Fill gasoline tanks after 4 p.m.

"This is the first High Pollution Advisory for ozone we have issued this year," ADEQ Director Steve Owens said. "Increasing temperatures & other conditions are contributing to elevated ozone levels. We urge Valley residents to take steps to help reduce emissions that lead to the formation of ozone."

Ground-level ozone pollution is caused by the interaction of sunlight with the many pollutants generated by automobiles, gasoline-powered lawn equipment & other sources. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, aggravate asthma & other chronic lung conditions, & inflame & damage the cells that line the lungs. Repeated short-term ozone damage to children's developing lungs may lead to reduced lung function in adulthood.