Despite wildfires raging nearby, Phoenix air quality is better than in Detroit, Chicago
Small wildfires around the state are sending smoke into the air, including the Diamond Fire, which started Tuesday. Much of the state is under an air quality alert and on alert for more fires.
But in spite of that, most of the state is still under more favorable conditions than other parts of the county, namely in the Midwest.
On Wednesday morning, the air quality in Phoenix was moderately bad with a score of 97 on the AQI scale. The AQI scale measures the levels of pollutants in the air, with a lower score meaning cleaner air. Across the state, conditions are better with Yuma having a score of 90 and Douglas with a lower score of 30.
For Phoenix, a high pollution watch is in effect this weekend from Friday to Sunday. A large chunk of the northern part of the state is also under a red flag warning, indicating weather conditions that could possibly spark more wildfires.
Wednesday's Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. It includes much of northeastern AZ and portions of central AZ. Any outdoor fires tomorrow have the potential to rapidly grow in size and intensity. Please do your part to avoid sparking fires! #azwx pic.twitter.com/7qbC6HzCUx
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) June 27, 2023
In other places in the United States, the situation is more dire. As of Wednesday morning, the AQI level in Chicago is almost twice as high with a score of 178, and in Detroit a score of 215.
Canadian wildfires keep persisting, which is continuing Detroit’s poor air quality, with this being the second time this month the city has ranked in the top 10 worst cities for air quality.
More: How do wildfires affect Arizona air quality? What to know to stay safe
How can I check air quality in Arizona?
Air quality can always be checked using an index map or by visiting any of the ADEQ forecast reports updated hourly online.
ADEQ also provides a list of the three levels of precaution to follow:
Level one: Stay smoke aware (no smoke, haze, light smoke, smoke in the vicinity).
Level two: Reduce outdoor activities (smoke in the vicinity, patchy smoke, widespread moderate smoke).
Level three: Stay indoors (heavy to dense smoke).
How can I help prevent ozone pollution?
AZDEQ gave recommendations to residents on how to mitigate ozone pollution:
Drive as little as possible: carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro: www.ShareTheRide.com.
Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
Reduce your time waiting in long drive-thru lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your vehicle and go inside.
Use low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
Delay big painting projects until HPAs have passed.
Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas and outdoor fire pits.
Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches and streams.
Conserve electricity.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Air quality in Phoenix area is better than parts of US
