Greta Jimenez
Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its warm climate, but this warm climate, along with temperature inversions, contributes to the city's air pollution problem. In 2020, Phoenix was ranked as having some of the worst air quality in the United States, with the American Lung Association's State of the Air report ranking the city 7th for year-round particle pollution and 10th for short-term particle pollution. The greatest challenge to Phoenix's air quality is ozone pollution, which is a dangerous gas pollutant that forms when nitrogen oxides and organic substances react under sunlight. While there have been improvements in air quality in recent years, Phoenix still experiences unhealthy ozone and PM2.5 days, with a weighted average of 46.5 days of unhealthy air between 2016 and 2018.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Ranking | Phoenix was ranked 7th for year-round particle pollution and 10th for short-term particle pollution in the American Lung Association's 2020 State of the Air report. |
| Air Quality Trends | Phoenix's air quality has improved in recent years, with the city experiencing fewer unhealthy days in 2021 than in 2020. |
| Ozone Pollution | Ozone is the greatest challenge to Phoenix's air quality. The city has seen an increase in high-ozone days, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. |
| Particle Pollution | Phoenix has also faced issues with particle pollution, although there has been a drop in days with high particle pollution. |
| Temperature Inversions | Temperature inversions during the winter months contribute to higher AQI levels, trapping polluted air and making it difficult to disperse. |
| Wildfires | Wildfires, often caused by extreme temperatures and droughts, contribute to increased particle pollution in the city. |
| Driving | Driving is responsible for over 50% of human-caused ozone in Phoenix, according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. |
| Dust Storms | Dust storms, which occur between one and three times per year, pick up dirt, dust, and pollutants, leaving debris in the air and impacting air quality. |
| Monsoon Season | Strong winds associated with the monsoon season from June to September can also stir up pollutants and impact air quality. |
| Clean Air Periods | May and June are typically Phoenix's cleanest months, while November and December tend to have the most polluted air. |
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What You'll Learn
Phoenix's ozone pollution problem
Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its poor air quality, with the city ranking among the worst in the US for pollution. The city's biggest air quality challenge is ozone pollution, which is a dangerous gas pollutant that is especially harmful to children, older adults, and those with asthma and other lung diseases.
Ozone is a unique pollutant as it is not released directly but is formed in the atmosphere when nitrogen oxides and organic substances react under sunlight. According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, over 50% of human-caused ozone in Phoenix comes from vehicle emissions. Other human activities, such as the use of cleaning products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), also contribute to ozone pollution.
The prevalence of warm temperatures in Phoenix further exacerbates the issue. Warmer temperatures brought about by climate change create ideal conditions for ozone formation, making it more likely to form and harder to disperse. Between 1980 and 2015, statewide temperatures in Arizona rose from an average of 71.3°F to 75.5°F, and Phoenix is the fourth fastest-warming city in the United States. The warming summer temperatures, combined with the frequent occurrence of temperature inversions that trap polluted air, contribute to the city's ozone problem.
While Phoenix has seen some improvements in air quality, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic when fewer people were driving, the overall trend indicates a worsening of the ozone pollution problem. From 2018-2020, Phoenix experienced more high-ozone days than in 2019-2021. The American Lung Association's 2019 "State of the Air" report ranked Phoenix as having the fifth-worst ozone pollution of any metropolitan area in the US. The report also highlighted that Phoenix residents are breathing unhealthy air, putting their health and lives at risk.
Despite these concerning findings, there is some hope for improvement. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) noted that the state has moved in the right direction regarding air pollution, with fewer unhealthy days in recent years. Additionally, residents can take steps to reduce their contribution to ozone pollution, such as choosing cleaning products with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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Particle pollution in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, has been ranked as having some of the worst air quality in the United States. In 2022, it was ranked among the 25 worst cities for pollution, and in 2020, it was ranked 7th for year-round particle pollution and 10th for short-term particle pollution.
Particle pollution, also called soot, is made up of tiny particles that come from sources such as coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires, and wood-burning devices. These particles are small enough to lodge deep in the lungs and can trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes, and can even be lethal.
Phoenix experiences cleaner air in the summer and more polluted air in the winter. Temperature inversions in the winter, when cold, polluted air is trapped below a layer of warm air, contribute to higher AQI levels during these months. On average, May and June are Phoenix's cleanest months, while November and December are the most polluted.
Ozone is the greatest challenge to Phoenix's air quality. Ozone is a gas pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides and organic substances react under sunlight. As a city with abundant sunlight and heat, Phoenix's ozone levels tend to be worse in the summer. Driving is responsible for over 50% of human-caused ozone in Phoenix.
In addition to ozone pollution, Phoenix also experiences unhealthy levels of particle pollution. From 2016 to 2018, there was a weighted average of 46.5 days of unhealthy air, resulting in Phoenix failing air pollution attainment for ozone and particle pollution. However, in early 2021, Phoenix experienced a period of ""Good" quality air, with a US AQI reading of 36, which met the World Health Organization's recommendations.
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Phoenix's air quality rankings
Phoenix, Arizona, is a rapidly developing city with a growing population. However, it has faced challenges with air pollution, particularly ozone and particle pollution. The American Lung Association's various "State of the Air" reports have consistently ranked Phoenix among the worst cities in the nation for air pollution. In 2020, Phoenix was ranked 7th for year-round particle pollution and 10th for short-term particle pollution. The 2019 report also documented an increase in particle pollution and unhealthy days of ozone in the city.
Ozone is a significant concern for Phoenix's air quality. It is a dangerous gas pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides and organic substances react under sunlight. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality attributes over 50% of human-caused ozone in Phoenix to vehicle emissions. Warmer temperatures caused by climate change also contribute to the formation of ozone, and Phoenix is the fourth fastest-warming city in the United States. The changing climate, extreme temperatures, droughts, and wildfires have led to increased particle pollution in the city.
The impact of temperature inversions, which trap cold, polluted air, is more pronounced in the winter months, leading to higher AQI levels. Dust storms and strong winds associated with the monsoon season also contribute to air pollution in Phoenix. Despite these challenges, there have been improvements in air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced human activity and driving.
According to the Phoenix Air Quality Index (AQI), the city's overall AQI was 50 as of July 3rd, 2025, which is considered "'good'" air quality. The individual pollutant levels were as follows: PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI of 50, PM10 (respirable particulate matter) AQI of 29, NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI of 5, SO2 (sulfur dioxide) AQI of n/a, O3 (ozone) AQI of 30, and CO (carbon monoxide) AQI of 3.
While Phoenix's air quality has shown some improvement, it continues to face challenges with ozone and particle pollution, impacting the health and well-being of its residents.
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Causes of Phoenix's air pollution
Phoenix, Arizona, has been ranked among the worst cities in the US for air pollution. The city's air quality is impacted by a variety of factors, including:
Temperature inversions and heat domes
During winter, temperature inversions can trap cold, polluted air, leading to higher levels of air pollution. This phenomenon occurs when warmer air sits above cooler air, preventing the dispersion of pollutants. Phoenix, being one of the fastest-warming cities in the US, is particularly susceptible to this issue. Heat domes, which are areas of high pressure that trap heat, can also contribute to poor air quality by increasing the prevalence of temperature inversions.
Ozone pollution
Ozone is a significant pollutant in Phoenix, formed when nitrogen oxides and organic substances react under sunlight. Driving is a major contributor to ozone pollution, with vehicles releasing harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide. According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, driving is responsible for over 50% of human-caused ozone in the city.
Particle pollution
Phoenix has also experienced issues with particle pollution, which consists of tiny particles of soot that can originate from coal-fired power plants and other sources. This type of pollution can be particularly harmful to respiratory health and has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections.
Dust storms
Arizona experiences dust storms, where strong winds pick up dirt, dust, and other pollutants, leaving debris in the air and contributing to air pollution. These dust storms typically impact Phoenix between one and three times per year, and similar conditions can occur during the monsoon season from June to September.
Wildfires
While not unique to Phoenix, wildfires can significantly contribute to air pollution in the region. The smoke and particulate matter released during wildfires can travel over long distances, affecting air quality even in areas not directly impacted by the fires.
While Phoenix faces challenges with air pollution, there have been efforts to improve the situation, and certain periods, such as the summer months, tend to have cleaner air.
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Efforts to improve Phoenix's air quality
Phoenix has been ranked as having some of the worst air quality in the United States in recent years. The city has experienced warming temperatures and the past five years have been some of the warmest on record globally. This, along with droughts and wildfires, has contributed to increased particle pollution.
The city has also been challenged with addressing dust, which is caused by dust storms that occur between one and three times per year, as well as smoke and ground-level ozone concentrations.
To improve air quality, Phoenix has set ambitious targets, including carbon neutrality, zero waste, clean air, and expanded parks and transit access. The city is investing in tree and shade projects, electric vehicles, solar installations, and transit improvements. Phoenix is also exploring the use of different blends of gasoline, vehicle smog inspections, efforts to increase public transit, and moving from gasoline to alternative-fuelled vehicles.
On a smaller scale, individuals can also play a role in improving air quality by choosing cleaning products with no or low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can pollute the air and irritate the lungs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, according to the 2022 State of the Air report, Phoenix is among the 25 worst cities in the US when it comes to pollution.
Phoenix's air quality is primarily affected by ozone and particle pollution.
Phoenix's pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, temperature inversions, dust storms, and day-to-day activities such as the use of cleaning supplies containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
While Phoenix still faces challenges with air quality, there has been some progress. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has noted improvements, and residents can take steps to reduce indoor air pollution by choosing cleaning products with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
