The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an ozone high-pollution advisory for Friday.

Ground-level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds to form, according to ADEQ. VOCs are such items as paints and refrigerants.

April through September makes up the Valley’s “ozone season,” state environment officials said.

A high-pollution advisory is issued when the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults and people with lung diseases, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, officials said.

ADEQ officials also ask residents to:

• Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute.
• Fuel vehicles after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce wait time in long drive-thru lines by parking and going inside.
• Use low-VOCs or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
• Avoid using leaf blowers.
• Conserve electricity.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.