Air Pollution

Air pollution is a year-round concern in the Valley, especially on days when the brown cloud looms over the Valley eliminating the view of our beautiful scenic mountains. The Clean Air Program works very closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) to educate the public about ways to prevent pollution in the Valley.

The Valley has three primary types of air pollution; ozone in the summer and carbon monoxide and particulate matter in the winter. Learn more about the sources of Valley air pollution and how you can help prevent it by reducing the potential for an exceedance.

Particulate Matter
Find out about the sources of particulate matter and the strategies in place to reduce this winter time pollutant.

Air Quality Standards
Information on how the United States Environmental Protection Agency sets air quality standards and what the standards are for the three main pollutants in the Valley.

Health Effects of Pollution
All pollutants can have adverse health effects. Learn more about some of the health effects associated with each of the Valley's three main pollutants.

Carbon Monoxide
Find out about the sources of carbon monoxide and the strategies in place to reduce this winter time pollutant.

Ozone
Find out about the sources of ozone and the strategies in place to reduce this summer time pollutant.

High Pollution Advisories
Learn more about what a High Pollution Advisory is and why ADEQ and MCESD issues advisories in the summer and winter months.

Tips for Reducing Air Pollution
Learn about the many ways you can help to prevent air pollution in the Valley.

Interactive Lungs
Created and developed by the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality. Get a first hand look at how each of the Valley's three main pollutants effects your lungs.