Phoenix ranks 5th in ozone pollution, but report sees improvement

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Phoenix ranks 5th in ozone pollution, but report sees improvement

April 19, 2023

Phoenix ozone levels 5th worst nationwide in 3 yearsArizona had fewer unhealthy days overall, according to the American Lung Association’s 2023 Aviation Situation Report.

of the Lung Association 24th Annual State of the Air Report Assess American exposure to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone air pollution, annual particulate pollution, and three-year short-term spikes in particulate pollution. This year’s report covers her 2019 to he 2021 and found that one in three Americans is exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution.

phoenix 7th for Worst Annual Particulate Pollution This year’s report and 13^th For short-term (24 hours) particulate contamination.

The Lung Association created its annual report rankings using air quality data for ozone and particulate matter, the two most prevalent pollutants in the United States. These contaminants pose public health concerns when they reach unhealthy levels.

“Both ozone and particulate pollution can cause premature death and other serious health effects, including asthma attacks, cardiovascular problems, and developmental and reproductive harm,” says Arizona, USA. said JoAnna Strother, senior director of advocacy for the Lung Association. “Particulate pollution also causes lung cancer.To ensure a healthy future for the people of Arizona and visitors to our great state, we are working together to improve air quality. I have to keep going.”

Short-term exposure to particulate matter can exacerbate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Health effects can permeate, such as accelerated aging, loss of lung capacity, and decreased lung function.

Long-term exposure to air pollution is also associated with cardiovascular disease, and hardening of the arteries in the brain is thought to increase the risk of stroke. This thickens the blood, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of blood clots in the brain.

Fewer unhealthy days, but room for improvement

Arizona has fewer unhealthy days due to ozone and particulate pollution compared to last year’s report, according to the latest report.

“As a desert state in the Southwest with some of the sunniest cities in the country and an increase in wildfires in the western United States, Arizona, like its neighbors, presents a real air quality challenge in terms of ozone and particulate pollution. ,” said Daniel Czekolinski of the Air Quality Division.director of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality“Despite a growing population and a thriving economy, Arizona has reduced emissions by 70% over the past 30 years and achieved significant improvements in overall air quality, but the western United States Wildfires in the United States are producing more ozone and particulate pollution, transporting it into conditions and affecting air quality.”

And while overall air quality has improved in recent decades, climate change, wildfires, and ozone transport remain major risks to the state’s public health.

Phoenix’s Ozone ranking from the previous year remained the same. Also unchanged from last year’s report of high ozone days are Gila, Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties with a grade of ‘F’ and Yuma counties with a grade of ‘C’. The report showed improved ozone grades in Coconino and La Paz counties, stating: Flagstaff is one of the cleanest cities in the country. Because of ozone pollution.

Neighboring countries can contribute

Ground-level ozone pollution occurs when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds undergo chemical reactions in sunlight. Arizona averages more sunshine and less cloud cover than any other state in the country, making air quality more susceptible to declining weather. High summer temperatures increase ozone levels.

Ozone-forming compounds also come from biomass (shrubs and trees), industry, wildfires, and gas-powered horticultural equipment.

Emissions from international sources and other states such as California may contribute to ozone pollution in Arizona. ADEQ says it is working with neighboring states to better understand ozone transport and improve air quality for everyone.

According to ADEQ, road vehicles produce the majority of nitrogen oxides and are the largest man-made source of ozone.

The “State of the Air” report relies on data from air quality monitors maintained by state, local, and tribal air pollution control authorities in counties across the United States. Of her 3,221 counties across the country, only 922 are able to monitor at least one contaminant. That means there are more than 71 million people living in counties where ozone or particulate pollution levels are not monitored.

The American Lung Association used the report to urge the federal government to take action to clean up air pollution across the country, including new limits on ozone and particulate pollution and new regulations on power plants and vehicles. I asked him to teach.