Officials issue high pollution advisory for Maricopa County

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued a high pollution advisory for Maricopa County on Monday.

Daytime ozone levels in the area, including Phoenix, were likely to exceed federal health standards, officials said.

Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, aggravate asthma and reduce the immune system’s ability to fight off respiratory infections.

The toxic gas can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, as well as irritate the throat and lungs.

Older people, children, outdoor workers, anyone who exercises outside and people with respiratory diseases are most affected by ozone.

State environmental and county air quality officials recommended driving as little as possible, carpooling taking public transit or telecommuting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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