Arizona’s Ozone Alert: Health Advisory for Maricopa County This Weekend
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Maricopa County, affecting the upcoming weekend on August 22 and 23, 2026. This alert indicates that ozone levels are expected to surpass federal health standards, posing potential health risks.
Ozone at ground level is the result of chemical reactions between sunlight and pollutants from vehicles, industrial activities, and other sources. This phenomenon is particularly common in the warmer months of spring and summer.
Ground-level ozone poses risks to all residents, with children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues being most vulnerable. The ADEQ advises limiting outdoor activities during the advisory period, especially for those with asthma or lung conditions.
Recommendations to Mitigate Ozone Pollution
To help reduce ozone levels, ADEQ and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) suggest the following measures:
- Encourage remote work options to decrease road traffic.
- Consider carpooling, vanpooling, or using public transportation.
- Park your car and enter the building instead of idling in drive-thru lines.
- Opt for biking or walking to your destination.
- Use a broom instead of a leaf blower.
- Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.
- Choose low-VOC or water-based paints and delay painting projects during advisories.
- Seal containers of household and yard chemicals to prevent vapor release.
- Visit Maricopa.gov/AQ for more tips on reducing air pollution.
Advisory Restrictions in Place
Several restrictions accompany this advisory:
- The use of wood-burning fireplaces and outdoor fires is prohibited, even for those with burn permits.
- Government employees are advised against using leaf blowers, and residents should avoid their use as well.
- Refrain from off-road vehicle activities.
Additional Information
A High Pollution Advisory is a public notification that pollutant levels are anticipated to exceed safe thresholds as defined by federal standards. Ground-level ozone forms through the interaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides and VOCs.
For further details, contact Ari Halpert at 602-501-1266 (cell) or 602-506-6713 (desk), or via email at ari.halpert@maricopa.gov.
About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The mission of the MCAQD is to enhance air quality in Maricopa County, ensuring a healthy environment for living, working, and recreation. Governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, the department adheres to the Clean Air Act standards. For more information, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.
Stay updated by following MCAQD on social media: @maricopaair on Instagram, @maricopaair on Twitter, and @maricopaair on Facebook.
Download the MCAQD Clean Air app for free from the App Store for iPhone and iPad, or from Google Play for Android.
Read More Here
