High Pollution Advisory Issued For Scottsdale Area As Ozone Levels Rise

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Air quality is taking a hit across the Phoenix area Thursday.

Scottsdale-area residents are being asked to limit outdoor activity as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issues an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Maricopa County, including the Phoenix metro area.

ADEQ said weather conditions combined with existing ozone levels are expected to push local maximum 8-hour ozone concentrations into a range that could affect air quality and public health.

Ozone pollution can make it harder to breathe, especially for children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions. During the advisory, ADEQ recommends reducing strenuous outdoor activity.

Residents can also help limit pollution by carpooling, telecommuting or using public transportation when possible. ADEQ also recommends reducing the use of gasoline-powered equipment or using it later in the day.

The advisory does not include additional restrictions, but ADEQ is encouraging residents to take steps that can help improve air quality while ozone levels are elevated.

For current air quality information and details about the advisory, residents can visit ADEQ’s forecast page at www.azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix or call 602-771-2300.

The Ozone High Pollution Advisory remains in effect Thursday, according to ADEQ.