Anticipating excessive ozone levels, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Yuma today, with recommendations for those vulnerable to respiratory discomfort.

Children, senior citizens, outdoor workers or residents with relevant health conditions are advised to curb outdoor activity during this period. ADEQ joins affiliated civic organizations in encouraging people to drive sparingly, use public transit or telecommuting when possible and refuel vehicles after dark.

Household projects using stains, paints, varnishes and similar materials should either be performed using low-VOC products or be delayed, and cleansers and chemicals should be stored securely. For more information, visit cleanairmakemore.com.

“Arizona has achieved significant improvements in our overall air quality and more specifically, lower ozone levels,” ADEQ noted, crediting the state despite a rise in stricter federal health standards regarding ozone alerts over the last 20 years.

An HPA is issued to notify the public that an air pollutant exceeds the federally mandated standard for health.

“Each and every one of us can make a difference in continuing to improve the quality of the air we breathe through simple actions,” ADEQ stated.