Phoenix, AZ Air Quality Alert: PM10 Levels Reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category
Areazine synthesizes this EPA air-quality advisory directly from EPA's official public data feed. See our methodology for full source attribution and refresh cadence.
Air quality in Phoenix, AZ reached an AQI of 141 on February 12, 2026, placing the area in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category due to particle pollution.
What this EPA air-quality advisory tells you, and what most readers miss
This notice was issued by EPA on April 6, 2026 and geographically references Phoenix, AZ. Its severity classification of "low" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken - "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to - Air Quality - determines the informational context it sits in, and which agency or body is the authoritative source for updates.
Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to verify its scope, source, and timestamp, then compare related notices without assuming that one record proves a broader trend.
Areazine pairs this record with the original agency URL so you can check the primary source before acting. Its related labels are air-quality, epa, aqi, Phoenix.
Current Air Quality
On February 12, 2026, the reporting area of Phoenix, AZ recorded air quality levels that have reached the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category. The primary pollutant of concern is PM10, which reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 141. Other measured pollutants include PM2.5, which recorded an AQI of 104 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), and Ozone (O3), which remained at a "Good" level with an AQI of 38.
What This Means
An AQI value between 101 and 150 is classified by the EPA as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." At this level, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects, though the general public is less likely to be affected.
Who Should Take Precautions
Groups at increased risk from this level of particle pollution include:
- People with heart or lung disease
- Older adults
- Children and teenagers
What You Should Do
Members of sensitive groups should take the following precautions:
- Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
- Take more breaks and engage in less intense activities.
- Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
- Schedule outdoor activities for times when air quality is better or move activities indoors.
Source
Data provided by EPA AirNow.
Original source: EPA Official Notice ↗
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All Air Quality →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this EPA air-quality advisory.