[ADEQ Media] ADEQ Issues First 2008 High Pollution Advisory for Ozone for Thursday, April 24

[media@lists.azdeq.gov]

ADEQ Issues First 2008 High Pollution Advisory for Ozone for Thursday,
April 24

PHOENIX (April 23, 2008) -- The Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for the Phoenix
metropolitan area due to forecast weather conditions on Thursday, April
24 expected to generate levels of ozone that may exceed the federal
health standard.

ADEQ recommends that children and adults with respiratory problems avoid
outdoor activities on Thursday and suggests that the general public
limit outdoor activity throughout the day.

Employers participating in the Valley's Trip Reduction Program should
implement their pollution reduction action plans on Thursday, and all
Valley residents should reduce ozone-producing emissions by taking the
following steps:

*	Drive as little as possible: car pool, use mass transit or
telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit
ValleyMetro: www.valleymetro.org

*	Avoid idling your vehicle.

*	Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. Refuel
vehicles after 4 p.m.

*	Make sure your car's tires are properly inflated and your wheels
are aligned.

*	Be careful not to spill gasoline when filling up your car or
gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.

*	Seal containers of household cleaners, workshop chemicals and
solvents, and garden chemicals to prevent gases from evaporating into
the air.

*	Dispose of containers properly.

"This is the first High Pollution Advisory for ozone we have issued this
year," ADEQ Director Steve Owens said. "Increasing temperatures and
other conditions are contributing to higher ozone levels. We urge Valley
residents to take steps to help reduce emissions that lead to the
formation of ozone."

Ground-level ozone pollution is caused by the interaction of sunlight
with the many pollutants generated by automobiles, gasoline-powered lawn
equipment and other sources. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system,
reduce lung function, aggravate asthma and other chronic lung
conditions, and inflame and damage the cells that line the lungs.
Repeated short-term ozone damage to children's developing lungs may lead
to reduced lung function in adulthood. 

Daily air quality forecasts are located on ADEQ's Web site or by
telephone at (602) 771-2367. Those interested in receiving the air
quality forecast via email can subscribe to our daily forecast list:
www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html

You can also sign up for text-message alerts: www.azdeq.gov/sms.html

For more information on HPAs:
www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/monitoring/hpa.html

-30-

News media interested in additional information on this or any other
topic concerning the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality should
contact the Office of Communications at (602) 771-2215 or via email at
communications@azdeq.gov.

**********************************************************************
NOTICE: This e-mail (and any attachments) may contain PRIVILEGED OR 
CONFIDENTIAL information and is intended only for the use of the specific 
individual(s) to whom it is addressed.  It may contain information that is 
privileged and confidential under state and federal law.  This information 
may be used or disclosed only in accordance with law, and you may be 
subject to penalties under law for improper use or further disclosure of the 
information in this e-mail and its attachments. If you have received this e-
mail in error, please immediately notify the person named above by reply e-
mail, and then delete the original e-mail.  Thank you.