PHOENIX – The American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2019 report shows that ozone levels improved in some Arizona counties. However pollutants that contribute to ozone continue to impact a third of Arizona counties, including those with large metropolitan areas, which received grades of “D” or “F”. Grades in the report are determined according to the levels of ozone and particulate matter (PM-2.5) in the air during 2015 – 2017.
Ozone Pollution Levels
Portions of four counties in Arizona — Gila, Maricopa, Pinal and Yuma — earned an “F” for having too many individual days when ozone reached unhealthy levels in the Air Quality Index (AQI), more than the last report. Monitors in Maricopa, Pinal and Gila Counties are part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, which is ranked as the 7th most ozone-polluted city in the nation. Pima County, where the Tucson metropolitan area is located, earned a “D”, which is a lower grade than the previous year’s report.
“Just like any grades we want an A+, especially when it comes to air quality and public health. Here at ADEQ, we hit the books, studied hard and found vehicle emissions are the biggest contributor to ozone pollution in Phoenix and Tucson,” said Timothy Franquist, ADEQ Air Quality Director. “It’s now time for each of us to look at what we can do to improve air quality. Simply driving less, carpooling or vanpooling, taking the bus, bicycling to work or telecommuting can eliminate thousands of tons of pollution each year.”
Ozone Fact Sheet
EPA Air Quality Index Guide
Additionally, emissions from international sources, such as Mexico and China, and other states, such as California contribute to ozone pollution in Arizona. Compounds that form ozone also come from biomass (shrubs and trees), industry, wildfires, gas powered garden equipment and more.
“Ozone pollution and particle pollution are two of the most widespread and dangerous air pollutants. Breathing these pollutants can cause asthma attacks, respiratory and cardiovascular harm, and even early death. Breathing particle pollution can also cause lung cancer,” said JoAnna Strother, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Arizona. “With 6 million people in Arizona we can all do our part by committing to driving less or using other forms of transportation. Together we can make a difference in our air quality.”
Be Air Aware!
As Arizona heads into summer, longer days raise the potential for higher ozone levels. Sunshine converts pollutants, such as nitrous oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in vehicle emissions, into ozone.
Stay informed and be a part of the ADEQ air quality challenge. Together we can make a difference to improve air quality for everyone in Arizona by following three simple steps. Learn More
Particle Pollution Levels: PM-2.5
The State of the Air 2019 also found all counties in Arizona earned a passing grade for year-round particle levels known as PM-2.5, which is particulate matter found in smoke or very fine dust. However, both Maricopa County and Pinal County earned an “F” for having too many individual days when particle pollution spiked to unhealthy levels.
During holiday periods when fireworks are legal or when cooler weather prompts lighting wood burning fireplace and fire pits, smoke levels are often elevated in Maricopa County. In Pinal County, very fine dust from the desert can become airborne with high winds or driving on unpaved roads.