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A rapid response notification will be sent from one of our 15 air monitoring locations. Subscribe to receive an email or text message when dust pollution levels begin to rise.

Tips to Reduce Air Pollution

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 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. 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 or LED blubs.
  8. Turn up your thermostat when not home.