Pima Association of Governments is promoting Live Breathe Clean Air as part of a regional message to encourage residents and visitors to take steps to keep our air clean and to bring awareness toward maintaining healthy ozone levels.

In March 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tightened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone to be more protective of public health.

Currently, Tucson experiences good air quality and meets ozone standards. However, several days of high ozone this summer could put Pima County into noncompliance, also known as nonattainment.

Nonattainment status often results in several costly consequences for businesses and residents. The region would be required to analyze emissions and identify and enforce measures to reduce pollutant levels. Residents may be required to change the fuel they use, industries may face additional regulations and this may negatively influence tourism and economic development.

Our region prides itself on its commitment to the environment and having clean air to breathe. This summer, we encourage area employers and residents to learn about ways you can help keep our air clean.

Pima Association of Governments is seeking sponsors to help support this campaign. For more information, please contact Sheila Storm at (520) 792-1093.

The purpose of the Air Quality Index is to communicate how local air quality relates to your health. The index is divided into six categories and color-coded to indicate air pollutant levels and associated health effects.

• Good(green): low pollution levels and no health effects
• Moderate (yellow): air quality acceptable but very sensitive people may suffer respiratory symptoms
• Unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange): pollutant levels are rising and sensitive populations (older adults and children) are at greater risk to suffer respiratory problems
• Unhealthy (red): pollutant levels are high and everyone is likely to suffer health effects
• Very unhealthy (purple): pollutant levels are very high and warrant a public health alert that everyone may suffer serious health effects
• Hazardous (maroon): emergency conditions

In 2007, Pima County had about 45 days in which ozone levels warranted a Moderate rating; the other 320 days had healthy ozone levels and achieved the Good rating index.

• Receive air quality advisories by e-mail from Pima County Department of Environmental Quality by clicking here.

There are many ways to help reduce ozone levels. Please explore the following options:

• Your Driving Practices 
• At Home
• For Businesses
• For Employees

• Jogger (1,177KB SWF)
• Couple (933KB SWF)
• Breathing (3,427KB SWF)

• Live Breathe Clean Air Facts  (433 KB PDF)

FAQs:

• Frequently asked questions about ozone
• Ozone trends and other info

For current local air quality conditions, click on icon.

• Pima County Department of Environmental Quality

• Ozone Information (U.S. EPA)

• American Lung Association in Arizona

• Air Quality Standards

• Clean Air Days 2009