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Transportation Coordinators
Due to unhealthy
levels of ozone and particulate matter, The Maricopa County Air Quality Department
encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when
pollution levels are expected to be on the rise. Transportation Coordinators are
encouraged to remind employees to make more clean air by taking small, simple
steps every day, we can all make a difference. Additional tips on how to reduce
air pollution can be found at www.CleanAirMakeMore.com.
Ozone: Ground level ozone
is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides
and volatile organic compounds [VOCs] to form. The months of April through
September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal "ozone season."
PM-10 stands for
particulate matter measuring 10 microns or less. State and county agencies
measure PM-10 and PM-2.5 which are extremely small solid particles and liquid
droplets found circulating in the air. PM, or particulate matter, comes from
either combustion (cars, industry, woodburning) or dust stirred up into the
air. High levels of PM are typically created when the air is especially
stagnant.
PM-2.5 stands for particulate matter measuring 2.5
microns or less. State and county agencies measure PM-10 and PM-2.5 which are
extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets found circulating in the
air. PM, or particulate matter, comes from either combustion (cars, industry,
woodburning) or dust stirred up into the air. High levels of PM are typically
created when the air is especially stagnant.
"High Pollution
Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution
may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults and people with
lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Maricopa County employers enlisted in the Travel Reduction Program are asked to
activate their HPA plans on high pollution advisory days.
"Health
Watch" means the highest
concentration of pollution may approach the federal health standard. Unusually
sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion
during a health watch.
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