PHOENIX (April 24, 2024) — The American Lung Association’s 2024 State of the Air (SOTA) report released today shows continued air quality challenges for Arizona. More stagnant days and increased wildfire smoke impacts are likely contributors to fine particulate matter and ozone levels. The Lung Association developed its annual SOTA report rankings using air quality data for the two most widespread pollutants in the United States — ozone and fine particulate matter. These pollutants pose a public health concern when they reach unhealthy levels. 

"As a growing desert state with unique environmental challenges, Arizona continues to navigate the complexities of air quality. However, the latest State of the Air report sheds light on our ongoing air quality concerns,” said Daniel Czecholinski, ADEQ Air Quality Division Director. “Despite significant strides in reducing 70 percent of emissions over the past three decades, wildfires in the western states remain a hurdle to cleaner air. ADEQ is committed to tackling these challenges and protecting public health through collaborating with communities and stakeholders."

Taking small actions through voluntary programs can add up to cleaner air for Arizona | What you can do to improve air quality >

“Both ozone and particle pollution can cause premature death and other serious health effects such as asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage, and developmental and reproductive harm,” said JoAnna Strother, Senior Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Arizona. “Particle pollution can also cause lung cancer. To ensure a healthy future for Arizonans and visitors to our great state, we must continue our work together to improve air quality.”

American Lung Association State of the Air 2024 Report | View >

Ozone Levels

Unchanged from last year, the SOTA 2024 report ranks the Phoenix metropolitan area at 5th in the nation for unhealthy ozone days. Ground-level ozone pollution is created when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) chemically react in sunlight. On average, Arizona has more sunlight and less cloud cover than any other state in the nation. Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma consistently rank at or near the top as the sunniest cities in the U.S., and this means more sunlight reaches the ground giving ultraviolet radiation a greater chance to react and form more ozone. Compounds that form ozone also come from biomass (shrubs and trees), industry, wildfires, gas-powered garden equipment and more.

Other contributors to ozone pollution in Arizona include emissions from international sources, such as Mexico and China, and other states, such as California and ADEQ is working with our neighbors to better understand ozone transport in an effort to improve air quality for everyone.

In the Phoenix area, vehicles driving on the roads produce the majority of NOx and are the biggest contributor to man-made ozone. A major source of VOCs is plants (vegetation). If there are enough VOCs present, it takes very little NOx to increase ozone levels. And, because of the complexity of ozone formation, less NOx does not necessarily equal less ozone right away.

Ozone Fact Sheet | View >
EPA AQI Guide | View >

To help address the complex ozone problem, ADEQ is partnering with researchers at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona to conduct field studies to verify emissions, model and predict ozone concentrations and identify opportunities to mitigate high ozone levels, including development of potential incentives addressing ozone reduction strategies | View the ADEQ press release about new Arizona Board of Regents’ Grants >

Arizona motorists can improve air quality not only by driving or idling less, but by also keeping vehicles tuned and operating within federal emissions limits. In addition, all Arizonans can help improve air quality by selecting plants for our yards and businesses that produce lower VOCs.

ADEQ Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program | View >
Clean Air Make More Trees & Air Quality in Maricopa County | View >

Particle Levels: PM_2.5

The SOTA 2024 report improved the national ranking for worst year-round particle pollution, measured in small particulate matter or PM_2.5, for the Phoenix metropolitan area from 7th place to 9th place.

During Arizona’s winter holiday season, the combination of smoke from burning wood in fire pits, fireplaces and fireworks and calm, cool weather can cause high levels of particulate matter pollution.

Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >

By switching to propane instead of wood and reducing the use of fireworks, especially during periods of calm winter weather, we can reduce the air pollution that settles over valleys across Arizona during the winter holiday season.

ADEQ encourages Arizonans to stay informed about air quality conditions to protect their health and to learn more about how our individual actions can improve air quality every day, and especially at times when ADEQ air quality meteorologists provide early information about the potential for high pollution days. ADEQ is committed to making information about air quality and health clear and accessible to everyone:

ADEQ Air Arizona Mobile App | View >
ADEQ Air Quality Forecasts | View >
Clean Air Initiatives | View >

Contact

ADEQ Public Information Officer
Ph: 602-540-8072 (cell) 
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