Arizona Residents Urged To Work From Home

Many workers in Arizona were urged to work from home late this week to help prevent air pollution by reducing traffic.

Maricopa County was under an Ozone High Pollution Advisory, and pollution levels were expected to exceed the federal health standards.

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department said in a statement, “Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, gasoline and diesel equipment, industrial and chemical processes, and other everyday activities react to sunlight. Because these emissions react more readily to sunlight, ozone pollution is more prevalent during the spring and summer months.”

Besides working remotely, residents were asked to drive less, ride a bike or walk, avoid long drive-thru lines, and refuel in the evening. They were also asked to avoid painting and using leaf blowers.

Maricopa County’s population is comprised of over 4.5 million people, and makes up over half of the entire state’s population. It is also the 4th largest county, by population size, in the United States.