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.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed lowering the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone to be more protective of public health and welfare and will issue the new standards in 2013.

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.

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.

In 2009, Pima County had 8 days in which ozone levels warranted a Moderate rating; the remainder of the days had healthy ozone levels and achieved the Good rating index.

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