The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone Health Watch for Wednesday, June 24.

To take action to address the ozone pollution citizens should:

*Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks. Park the car and go inside.

*Unplug unused appliances.

*Fuel vehicles after dark or during cooler evening hours.

*Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.

Learn more about air pollution at www.CleanAirMakeMore.com

To find a carpool or vanpool visit Valley Metro: www.ValleyMetro.org or call 602.253.5000.

Ground level ozone pollution 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 our Valley’s longer-than-normal ozone season.

A Health Watch means the highest concentration of pollution may approach the federal health standard. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion during a health watch.