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 May 6, 2022

High pollution advisory for Tucson

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality issued an advisory Friday for ground-level ozone air pollution.

Metro week 050517 traffic Cars moving through Tucson.
AZPM Staff

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality issued an advisory Friday for ground-level ozone air pollution in the Tucson metropolitan area, encouraging anyone especially sensitive to ozone to avoid physical exertion outside until 6 p.m.

Children, adults who are active outdoors and anyone with respiratory disease are most likely to be sensitive to ozone.

"Intense physical outdoor activity causes faster and deeper breathing, which allows ozone to penetrate into the parts of the lungs that are more likely to be injured," the department said in a statement.

Different types of emissions contribute to creating ground-level ozone, like motor vehicle exhaust and power plant emissions.

The department is encouraging Pima County residents to reduce ozone through the following steps:

  • Reduce driving - combine errands into one trip.
  • Ride the bus, walk, bike, or share a ride with friends and family.
  • Avoid idling your vehicle’s engine. It wastes gas and causes air pollution.
  • During the summer, re-fuel your car after 6 p.m. when vapors 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.
  • Avoid using gas powered lawn and gardening equipment.
  • Check your tire pressure monthly to reduce gasoline use and associated pollution.
  • Conserve electricity to reduce emissions from power plants.
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