For the second time in less than a week, Phoenix is under a pollution advisory

For the second time in five days, the Phoenix area will be under a high pollution advisory.

On Monday morning, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued an advisory for the Phoenix area for Tuesday and a high pollution watch for Wednesday.

The advisory will impact Phoenix’s 1.7 million residents for the second time in less than a week. Maricopa County has also placed restrictions to mitigate the effects of the pollution advisory.

Burning wood in residential fireplaces and the use of leafblowers are prohibited during the advisory. Officials also recommend residents avoid using off-road vehicles.

Matt Pace, a meteorologist from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, said the afternoon is particularly high for ozone.

“It's because of lighter winds that are going to occur in the Valley and that results in a buildup of ozone, particularly in the afternoon hours,” Pace said, “Ozone needs sunlight to form. … Our sun's highest rate is at noon and that stretches into the afternoon which is why we see the highest ozone values during the afternoon hours.”

The federal threshold for advisories like these is 70 parts per million, Pace said. Once this level of pollution is exceeded, effects on residents' health can be seen.

“That's when people can start to feel some breathing issues. Especially if they're children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, and that's why you want to limit your outdoor activity, especially in the afternoon,” Pace said.

Residents can track air quality forecasts at https://azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix or through the Air Arizona Mobile App.

How can I help reduce ozone pollution?

ADEQ and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department gave recommendations on how to reduce ozone pollution:

• Promote remote work to reduce traffic on roads.

• Drive less. When possible, carpool, van pool, or use public transportation.

• Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines. Park your car and go inside.

• Ride your bike or walk to work.

• Sweep instead of using your leaf blower.

• Refuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.

• Use low-volatile organic compounds or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.

• Delay painting projects until high pollution advisories or health watches 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.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix under high ozone pollution advisory on June 13