Air Quality Advisory
July 22, 2009

News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:	Beth Gorman (Pima County Environmental Quality) (520) 243-7446
	Bonnie Light (American Lung Association of Arizona) (520) 323-1812

Tucson, Arizona (July 22, 2009) The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality and the American Lung Association of Arizona are issuing an air quality advisory. People who are sensitive to elevated levels of particulates are urged to take appropriate precautions.

Individuals with respiratory or heart disease and the elderly may experience respiratory symptoms. If individuals are sensitive to particulate pollution, they may want to reduce their exposure to outside air. This advisory will be in effect while current conditions persist.

Typical symptoms related to short-term exposure to particulates may include difficulty breathing, coughing, and upper airway irritation. Other potential health effects may include headache, dizziness, and nausea.

People with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or other respiratory problems should:

• avoid exposure to outdoor air;
• reduce level of exertion;
• close doors and windows; and
• use air conditioning rather than evaporative coolers, if available.

Air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website www.airinfonow.org or by calling the PDEQ hotline at (520) 882-4AIR.

For more information on lung health issues, contact the ALAA at (520) 323-1812 or www.lungaz.org.

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