Pima County residents with ozone sensitivity might feel a little more wheezy than usual today.
The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality has issued a ground-level Ozone Action Day for the Tucson metropolitan area until 6 p.m.
Those most likely to suffer from ozone sensitivity include children, adults who are active outdoors, people with respiratory diseases and individuals who have an unusual sensitivity to this pollutant, the agency said Thursday in a news release.
Dangers of elevated ozone pollutant levels can cause shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort.
Intense physical, outdoor activity is to be avoided, as it causes heavy breathing, allowing ozone to find its way deeper into the lungs, the release said.
Many types of emissions contribute to ground-level ozone, including car exhaust, industrial and power plant emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents. To lessen these emissions, the the agency urges residents to develop several habits. Drivers are encouraged to reduce driving by combining errands into a single trip, taking the bus, riding a bicycle, sharing a ride, or walking.
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There are also tips and tricks for those who can’t escape the drive.
The PDEQ suggests drivers avoid an idling engine and make sure they refuel after dark when vapors are less likely to form ozone. Along the same lines, drivers should always make sure their gas caps are sealed. Properly inflated tires will allow vehicles to work at peak performance, reducing ozone emissions.
PDEQ monitors air pollution in the region at 16 air quality monitoring sites. Real-time air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website.
