The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone Health Watch for Thursday, Sept. 25.

Citizens can help reduce the pollution problem by:

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

*Unplug unused appliances.

*Fuel your vehicle 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 is a pollutant 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.

Those with respiratory problems should avoid exertion during a Health Watch.