Children in the Phoenix metropolitan area have been advised to limit physical activity due to potentially deteriorating air quality, according to an official alert issued by the National Weather Service in coordination with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
The warning, which extends through Thursday, classifies ozone levels in the region as potentially unhealthy, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and those with respiratory issues.
Why It Matters
According to the ADEQ, ground-level ozone is harmful to public health and forms when sunlight triggers a reaction between pollutants like volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, which come from sources such as cars, power plants, and industrial products.
Health officials say that vulnerable populations—such as children, older adults and individuals with existing respiratory issues—face heightened risks during periods of poor air quality.
What To Know
The air quality alert informed residents of Maricopa County, including the Phoenix Metro area, had been issued a high pollution advisory on Thursday.
“This means that forecast weather conditions combined with existing ozone levels are expected to result in local maximum 8-hour ozone concentrations that pose a health risk,” the alert read.
“Adverse health effects increase as air quality deteriorates.”
It noted that ozone is an air pollutant that can lead to breathing problems in children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, and said a decrease in physical activity was recommended.
People in the effected area were urged to car pool, telecommute, or to use mass transit. The use of gasoline-powered equipment should also be reduced or done late in the day, the alert added.
What People Are Saying
The Air quality alert advised: “Ozone is an air contaminant which can cause breathing difficulties for children, older adults, as well as persons with respiratory problems. A decrease in physical activity is recommended.”
Professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine Jonathan Grigg, with Queen Mary, University of London, previously told Newsweek: “There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they’ve got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults.
“Their trajectory can be deviated so they don’t actually achieve their maximum lung function.”
There are also “very clear links” between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, Grigg said.
Additionally, Grigg said conditions such as asthma are also exacerbated by exposure to air pollution.
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the air quality alert was set to be in effect for May 8. ADEQ also said a high pollution watch would be in effect for May 9.
The post Children in Phoenix Warned About Physical Activity: ‘Pose a Health Risk’ appeared first on Newsweek.
