Maricopa County is receiving high ozone contamination advisories through Sunday.

The recommendations issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality means that our highest concentration of contamination could exceed federal health standards.

Extreme heat affects air quality as two pollutants react in sunlight form terrestrial ozone. Vehicles are the main source, but pollutants are also sourced from power plants, leaf blowers and paints.

Exposure can cause itching, nose and throat, increase asthma attacks and worsen bronchitis. Active adults, children, and people with lung problems are advised to limit their time outdoors.

The following information is provided by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department.

Take action

• Less driving, carpooling, using public transport, or communication. Visit us for transportation alternatives Sharetheride.com.
• It supplies fuel to the vehicle after it gets dark or during a cool evening.
• Reduces latency on long drive-through lines. Park your car and walk inside at a coffee shop, fast food restaurant, curb pickup and bank.
• Use low VOC (volatile organic compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Delay large painting projects until HPA passes.
• Properly seal containers of household cleaners, garages, garden chemicals and other solvents to prevent steam from evaporating into the air. Eliminate burning wood with fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas and outdoor fire holes.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to move debris away from the road and away from storm drains, ditches and streams.
• Save electricity.

HPA Limitations

• In Maricopa County, burning wood in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits and similar outdoor fires is prohibited. This includes individuals and businesses burning open burning permits.
• Agency employees and contractors are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are advised to avoid blowing leaves.
• Off-highway vehicles are prohibited from being used.