As Arizonans battle respiratory pandemic, Phoenix air quality earns poor marks

Phoenix residents are breathing unhealthy levels of pollutants that can cause lung damage, asthma and even premature death, according to a new report, released as the respiratory disease COVID-19 tightens its hold on Arizona.

Phoenix once again ranked among the nation’s 10 worst cities for two widespread and dangerous air pollutants: ozone, better known as smog, and particle pollution, often referred to as soot. Both pollutants can cause significant lung damage over time.