PHOENIX (May 7, 2024) – In celebration of Air Pollution Awareness Week, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is pleased to launch this summer’s ‘Keep Ozone Away, Just One Day!’ campaign, which aims to reduce the harmful effects of ground-level ozone on air quality and public health by encouraging individuals to take action at least one day per week to reduce air pollution in Maricopa County.
Maricopa County's unique geographic and meteorological conditions result in extended exposure to sunlight. The long hours of summer sunshine provide the perfect catalyst for chemicals emitted by cars, trucks, and industrial facilities to react and form ground-level ozone. Exposure to this type of air pollution is harmful to the health of humans and pets, especially those who suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.
Through its Take a Day to Stay Ozone-Free campaign, MCAQD offers educational resources, incentive programs, and tips to help the community be part of the solution. One of MCAQD's incentive programs is the Commercial and Residential Pollution Reduction Program, which is available to county residents. Participants receive a voucher to trade in a functioning gasoline-powered lawn mower for a new battery or electric device at participating Home Depot stores, limiting the use of air-polluting equipment.
MCAQD also encourages drivers to turn off their engines and avoid idling whenever possible when waiting in long lines for school pick-up or drop-off, drive-thrus, etc. Community engagement is also important in reducing pollutants emitted by roadside vehicles, which are the main cause of ground-level ozone.
Maricopa County remains committed to efforts to reduce ground-level ozone and improve air quality. MCAQD Director Phil McNeely explains, “Over the last 30 years, air quality in the Valley has improved significantly thanks to increased awareness and habits to protect the air we breathe. By adopting new habits and committing to reducing the number of cars on the roads just one day a week, we can make a positive impact on air quality for years to come.”
To help reduce the negative effects, MCAQD offers the following ozone pollution prevention tips:
• Promote remote working to reduce traffic.
• Drive less by carpooling, vanpooling or using public transportation.
• Customers can park their car and walk into the store, avoiding long drive-thru lines.
• Bike or walk to work.
• Refuel your vehicle after dark or at night when it is cooler.
• Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
• Postpone painting work until the high pollution advisory has passed.
The “Try to Keep the Ozone Layer Away, Just for One Day” campaign is part of MCAQD's ongoing efforts to promote cleaner air and a healthier environment for Maricopa residents. For more information on the campaign and how to reduce ground-level ozone pollution, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.
Download the Commit to One Day campaign toolkit >>
Media Contact [English/Español]:
Ari Halpert
Communications Division Officer
602-501-1266
AriHalpert@maricopa.gov
About Maricopa County Air Quality
MCAQD's mission is to improve the air in Maricopa County so that customers, residents and visitors can live, work and play in a healthy environment. MCAQD is administered by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set by the federal Clean Air Act. For air quality information and resources, please visit: Maricopa.gov/AQ.
follow me Instagram, twitter, Facebook, Next Doorand LinkedIn.
Download MCAQD's Clean Air app, it's free to download and use and available on the App Store. iPhone and iPad On Google Play Android.
