PHOENIX — When it comes to ozone and short-term particle pollution, Phoenix is one of the most polluted metropolitan areas in the country, according to an annual report card from the American Lung Association.
The health organization released its “State of the Air" report, now in its 20th year, Wednesday which included a ranking of the most polluted and cleanest U.S. cities according to air quality.
Maricopa County received an "F" grade for both high ozone days and particle pollution. Ozone and particle pollution are, according to the American Lung Association, the most common air pollutants that "can cause asthma attacks, heart attacks, developmental and reproductive harm, lung cancer and even premature death."
According to the Maricopa County Air Quality Department, ozone, which is odorless and colorless, forms from nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reacting in the sunlight.
"Naturally, ozone pollution is more prevalent during the spring and summer months because these emissions react more readily to sunlight," MCAQD wrote in a recent release.
The report ranked the Phoenix area pretty high compared to other cities when it came to these pollutants. Actually, one of the worst for high ozone pollution. The city was ranked seventh, one spot worse than last year, by ozone pollution and 13th by short-term particle pollution.
The Sierra Vista-Douglas area in Arizona's Cochise County was tied as the cleanest, according to air quality, metropolitan area in the country, the report found.
How can I help reduce ozone pollution?
Ground-level ozone can affect everyone, although some groups of people, such as children, senior citizens, or people with asthma are at greater risk, according to MCAQD.
The department issued an ozone high pollution advisory for Thursday saying ozone levels are expected to "exceed the federal health standard."
The department along with other agencies put together a list of tips to help reduce ozone pollution:
• Try to drive less. Carpool, bike, walk or use public transportation when you can.
• If you're grabbing a quick bite to eat at your favorite fast food joint, park and go inside instead of keeping your car running in long drive-thru lines.
• Grab gas after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers, and even delay any painting projects until advisories and watches are gone.