Pima County Issues Air Quality Health Watch

TUCSON, AZ — High winds in southern Arizona this afternoon have led to an Air Quality Health Watch alert from Pima County's Department of Environmental Quality.

The alert is for areas that are prone to dust storms, as those regions will experience elevated levels of particulate matter during the periods of gusty conditions, the county said.

Anyone with heart or lung disease and older adults are advised to stay indoors and limit exertion if outside on Wednesday to prevent irritation to the respiratory system, according to the county.

The county is monitoring the air quality conditions at 14 sites in southern Arizona.

Anyone seeking up-to-date air pollution levels can do so by visiting the department's website.

Residents can also sign up for air quality alerts and other notices via email by visiting the site, the county said.