The American Lung Association released its annual “State of the Air” report, which found an alarming 84% of Arizonans live in communities with failing grades for air pollution. Ozone risk is dangerously high in Maricopa, Pima, Gila, and Pinal Counties, and particulate pollution exceeds health-based levels in Maricopa, Pinal, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Ranking U.S. cities by their air quality, the report placed Phoenix among the nation’s most polluted: 5th highest for ozone, 8th highest for year-round particulate pollution, and 11th highest for short-term particulate pollution. The city moved up 2 spots in the short-term particulate category from last year’s ranking, as well.
Join Us in Our Fight for Clean Air Across Arizona
As Arizona’s leading public interest firm, we persistently and vigorously advocate for clean air to protect public health and improve quality of life for those most vulnerable. Pushing both state and federal agencies to act amid growing environmental concerns, our work has spurred plans, settlements, and precedents that will support a healthier future for all Arizonans.
Last year, we approved a settlement of our lawsuit against the EPA to address severe particulate air pollution in West Pinal County. As a result, the State must submit a plan that contains the “best available control measures” to bring the county into compliance.
Most recently, we filed a lawsuit to overturn the EPA’s approval of Arizona’s blanket exemption from air-pollution-permitting requirements for agricultural equipment. Industrial agriculture and factory farms contribute more to environmental damage than one may think: Emissions from diesel-burning farm equipment create ozone and particulate pollution, and manure from industrial animal agriculture leads to increasing precursors for particulate matter and ozone pollution.
If our efforts are successful, the State can begin implementing numerous emission-reduction opportunities that could create livable-wage jobs while addressing our deadly air pollution problem.
How Do High Particle Pollution and Ozone Levels Impact Our Health?
The haze surrounding Phoenix’s skyline isn’t just harmless fog or dust; it is a combination of liquid and solid particles, often filled with contaminants like sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ammonia gas. This particulate pollution not only harms our environment, but it also may trigger respiratory illness, hospitalization, and premature death. Studies have linked particulate pollution to increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks, asthma, bronchitis, and infant mortality.
Ozone forms when certain gases emitted by motor vehicles, power plants, large-scale agriculture, and other industrial sources react in the presence of sunlight and heat. This powerful lung irritant can cause inflammation and chest pain, as well as more severe respiratory problems with long-term exposure. Children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised are most susceptible to these harmful effects — and we work diligently to ensure these people are protected.
See the American Lung Association’s full findings here.
ACLPI does not receive government funding; we rely on donations from people like you to make a positive impact on our state. With your support, we can continue fighting for the well-being of all Arizonans.
