National Air Quality Flag Program Challenge Began yesterday in Phoenix

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PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today the start of the National Air Quality Flag Program Spring Challenge, which runs from April 15 through May 31, 2017.

Each year, the Spring Challenge provides Arizona schools and other eligible organizations the opportunity to teach people about local air quality, how air pollution affects health and actions we can take to protect ourselves and improve the quality of the air we breathe. This is especially important when it comes to children including teens, whose risk of experiencing health issues from air pollution is greater.

Eligible Air Quality Flag Program participants in Arizona include organizations such as schools, community health centers, environmental education centers, parks and recreation centers, fire departments, and after-school/early-childcare facilities located in Maricopa, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties.

With support from regional coordinators, ADEQ is partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to register participants in the Air Quality Flag Program now. You can help keep Arizona the recognized national leader by registering today.

Registration and participation is easy:

  1. Contact ADEQ to register and request flags:
    Julie Finke, Program Coordinator, 602-771-2231, Finke.Julie@azdeq.gov 
  2. Check the daily air quality forecast and fly the corresponding color flag in a visible spot
  3. Educate and inform the school and community
  4. Follow the air quality and outdoor activity guidance: http://static.azdeq.gov/ceh/outdoor_activity_guide.pdf 

This public and children’s health program uses colored flags to notify communities about local air quality conditions and associated health guidance, which correspond with the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI). The flags alert people to that particular day’s air quality, so they know when to modify their outdoor activities.

Learn more about the ADEQ Air Quality Flag Program and the EPA AQI:

Sign up to receive air quality forecasts:

Text or email for Maricopa County, Santa Cruz County and Yuma County

For Pinal County:

 Download Air Quality Smartphone Apps:

 ADEQ Regional Coordinators:

Gila River Indian Community, Mariposa Community Health Center, Pinal County Air Quality Department, and Yuma County Health and Wellness Coalition

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