The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a high pollution advisory for ozone for Wednesday, Aug. 21.

A pollution advisory means the highest concentration of ozone pollution is expected to exceed the limit that meets federal health standards.

Contractors are prohibited from using leaf blowers on high pollution days and wood burning is banned.

Active children and adults, and persons with lung disease such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds [VOCs] to form. The months of April through September make up the Valley’s longer-than-normal “ozone season.”

More information is available at cleanairmakemore.com or azdeq.gov.