Elevated levels of ground-level ozone air pollution in the Tucson metro area have caused Pima County officials to issue an air quality advisory that could last for several days.

Officials said ozone levels in the Tucson area will be elevated during the next few days because of the expected record high temperatures.

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for ground-level air pollution.

Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort, the department said Monday in a new release.

If senstive to ozone, individuals may want to limit their outside exertion until after 6 p.m. when levels of ozone pollution should begin to decrease.

Those who are most affected include children, adults who are active outdoors, people with respiratory disease and anyone who has an unusual senstivity to this particular air pollution.

Ground level ozone can be caused by vehicle exhaust, industrial plant emissions, gasoline vapors, chemical solvents and wildfires.

Some tips to reduce ozone:

  • Reduce driving
  • Avoid idling your vehicle's engine.
  • Refuel after 6 p.m. when gasoline vapors are less likely to form ozone.
  • Make sure the gas cap of your vehicle is tightly sealed.
  • Avoid using gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment.

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