Make the Commitment

There Are Many Ways to Prevent Air Pollution

Helping us make more clean air is an important job. So your commitment today means a lot.

By confirming your information below, you’ll be giving us the green light to send you alerts for High Pollution Advisories, Health Watches and clean air updates.

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Of course, your commitment means more than getting e-mails and text messages. It means you’re taking the steps necessary to clean our air. There are a number of ways to prevent air pollution. Here are some of the things you can do to make more clean air.

Particulate pollution (PM-10 and PM-2.5) is made up of tiny particles in the air. It occurs year-round, but is dominant during winter months. Smaller than a human hair, it passes through the throat and nose and enters the lungs, and can lead to health problems. Take these steps to reduce particulate pollution.

Winter Driving Tips:

1. Avoid driving on unpaved roads and lots.
2. Drive slowly if you find yourself on an unpaved road.
3. Consolidate errands, make a list of needed stops and stick to it.
4. Make sure your car’s tires are properly inflated.
5. Keep your car tuned-up.

Winter Household Tips:

1. Refrain from burning wood.
2. Conserve electricity.
3. Replace the leaf blower with a rake or broom.
4. Avoid gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
5. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees F.
6. Wash clothes with “tap” cold or cold water.

All information you provide is managed by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department and offered as an educational outreach tool. We do not share or sell your information.

Ground-level ozone pollution thrives with sunny days and high temperatures. It is formed when sunlight causes a chemical reaction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It is harmful and should not be confused with the “good” ozone in the upper atmosphere. Reducing activities that contribute to the production of ozone is one of the ways to prevent air pollution. Making the following tips part of your daily routine in the summer, especially during pollution advisories and health watches, will help make more clean air.

Summer Driving Tips:

1. Drive less. When possible, carpool, van pool or use public transportation.
2. Consolidate errands, make a list of needed stops and stick to it.
3. Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go inside.
4. Turn the car off after 30 seconds of idling.
5. Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.

Summer Household Tips:

1. Unplug unused appliances.
2. Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.
3. Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.
4. Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
5. Don’t paint on High Pollution Advisory or Health Watch days.
6. Tightly seal solvents like cleaners, paint, and yard chemicals.
7. Use CFL blubs.
8. Turn up your thermostat when not home.