Ozone High Pollution Advisory issued for Thursday, May 30
News Flash • Ozone High Pollution Advisory issued for Thursd Maricopa County, AZ
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Ozone High Pollution Advisory Issued for Maricopa County
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has announced an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Maricopa County on Thursday, May 30, 2024. This advisory is in response to expected ozone levels that may surpass the federal health standard for ozone.
Understanding Ground-Level Ozone Pollution
Ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant formed when emissions from various sources, such as vehicles, industrial processes, and chemical reactions, interact with sunlight. This type of pollution is more common during the warmer months of spring and summer.
Health Impacts of Ozone Pollution
Ozone pollution poses a significant health risk to all residents, particularly children, adults with respiratory issues, and the elderly. It can cause lung damage and exacerbate conditions like asthma. During the HPA, the public is advised to limit outdoor activities, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Strategies to Reduce Ozone Pollution
To combat ozone pollution and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), ADEQ and Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) suggest the following measures:
- Encourage remote work to decrease traffic congestion.
- Opt for carpooling, public transportation, or other sustainable travel methods.
- Avoid drive-thru lines by parking and entering establishments.
- Choose walking or cycling over motorized transport when feasible.
- Use brooms instead of leaf blowers for yard maintenance.
- Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours to minimize emissions.
- Select low-VOC or water-based paints and finishes.
- Postpone painting projects until after high pollution advisories.
- Ensure proper sealing of chemical containers to prevent vapor release.
- Visit Maricopa.gov/AQ for additional information on reducing air pollution.
Restrictions During High Pollution Advisory
The HPA includes specific restrictions to further protect air quality:
- Burning wood in residential areas and outdoor spaces is prohibited.
- Governing bodies must refrain from using leaf blowers, and residents are encouraged to do the same.
- Avoid using off-road vehicles during the advisory period.
Background Information
An HPA is issued when air pollutant levels are expected to exceed federal health standards. Ground-level ozone is a key pollutant formed from sunlight reacting with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Contact Information
For media inquiries, please contact Ari Halpert at 602-501-1266 (cell) or 602-506-6713 (desk), or email at ari.halpert@maricopa.gov.
About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The mission of MCAQD is to improve Maricopa County’s air quality, ensuring a healthy environment for residents and visitors. The department adheres to the Clean Air Act’s standards and provides resources on air quality at Maricopa.gov/AQ.
Stay informed about air quality by following MCAQD on social media and downloading their Clean Air app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Analysis of SDGs in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Specific targets under the SDGs that can be identified based on the article’s content include:
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
- Indicator for Target 3.9: The number of days with ozone levels exceeding the federal health standard.
- Indicator for Target 11.6: The implementation of policies and actions to improve air quality, such as restrictions on wood burning and leaf blower usage during high pollution advisories.
- Indicator for Target 13.2: The level of public awareness and engagement in reducing air pollution, as evidenced by the use of tips and resources provided by ADEQ and MCAQD.
4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: Reduce deaths and illnesses from pollution | Ozone levels exceeding federal health standard |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: Reduce environmental impact of cities | Policies to improve air quality during high pollution advisories |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate measures into policies | Public awareness and engagement in reducing air pollution |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: maricopa.gov
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