The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has continued an ozone high-pollution advisory through Thursday, Sept. 5, as meteorologists  forecast Valley temperatures could  reach 114 degrees.

The ADEQ advisory means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard.

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.

Active children, adults and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, according to public health officials.

ADEQ officials also advise:

• Drive less, carpool, use public transit or telecommute.
• Don’t wait in long drive-thru lines. Park and go inside.
• Delay large painting projects.
• 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.

The National Weather Service's forecast for 114 places the Valley under an "extreme" heat warning and advises limited outdoor activities, staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen.

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