High pollution advisory issued for Phoenix area on Wednesday

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality announced a high pollution advisory will be in effect in metro Phoenix on Wednesday.

Anticipated levels of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides — pollutants that emerge primarily from automobiles, power plants and other industries — are the cause of the advisory, according to a press release.

All residents, especially those with underlying respiratory health issues, have been advised to limit their outdoor activity for the day, according to a press release.

“Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection,” the department stated in the release.

In an effort to combat levels of pollution in the atmosphere on Wednesday, ADEQ has asked residents to drive as little as possible, avoid long drive-thru lines, avoid refueling automobiles during the day, delay large painting projects and ensure chemically-based products are properly sealed.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Ozone effective, July 15, 2020 in the Phoenix area #AZAirAware

Hourly forecast: https://t.co/gzhQ1QBnr5

Learn more about the State of the Air: https://t.co/TgKYTRrQqf pic.twitter.com/AKbqM9Aqei

— AZDEQ (@ArizonaDEQ) July 15, 2020

Symptoms of pollution exposure may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Follow @ktar923