Tucson air pollution hits harmful level, Pima County warns

Posted May 6, 2022, 10:51 am

Bennito L. Kelty

TucsonSentinel.com

Air pollution in the Tucson metro area hit harmful levels on Friday, prompting an advisory from Pima County that residents should avoid intense physical outdoor activity because of the amount of ground-level ozone.

“Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may
experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing
and breathing discomfort,” county officials said.

The advisory
suggests limiting levels of exertion outside between noon and 6 p.m.,
especially for anyone sensitive to air pollution.

In 2021, the first ozone advisory of the year was issued on June 14.

PDEQ issued the
advisory because the county agency detected high amounts of
ground-level ozone in the Tucson metro area’s air. Ground-level ozone
commonly comes from car exhaust, industrial and power plant emissions
and volatile organic compounds, or hydrocarbons, that react with heat and sunlight, PDEQ said.

People
who might be 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 pollutant, PDEQ said.
Anyone feeling symptoms should seek medical attention, the advisory
warns.

According to the advisory, intense physical outdoor
activity also allows ozone to penetrate into part of the lungs more
likely to be injured.

PDEQ recommended the following actions to reduce adding to ground-level air pollution:

• Reduced driving and combining errands.
• Avoid leaving the engine running.
• Refuel cars after 6 p.m. when vapors are less likely to form air-pollutants like ozone.
• Always stop at the click when refueling.
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment.
• Check tire pressure monthly to reduce gas use.
• Conserve electricity to reduce emissions from power plants.

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