The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory for Tuesday, December 31, 2019, and a possible High Pollution Advisory for Wednesday, January 1, 2020, for fine particulate matter (PM-2.5), also known as soot, for Maricopa County, Arizona. This  High Pollution Advisory is due to particle pollutant levels expected to approach and exceed the federal health standard for PM-2.5.

During this  High Pollution Advisory, Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has declared a “No Burn Day” in Maricopa County, and the following mandatory restrictions are in effect:

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimineas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires (including at hotels and restaurants and individuals/businesses that have permits for open burning)
• Use of leaf blowers on governmental properties
• Use of off-road vehicles

People with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution. Particles in the PM-2.5 size range are able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to these fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

Employers and Travel Reduction Program Transportation Coordinators are advised to activate their Health Watch Plans immediately. ADEQ further recommends that the general public limit outdoor activity while the Health Watch is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

MCAQD and ADEQ encourage residents and employers to use the following tips and resources to help make the air healthier to breathe:

• Visit CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more about reducing air pollution
• Use gas or electric instead of burning wood
• Limit the lighting of fireworks
• If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood (burning wet wood releases more particulate matter)
• Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute
• Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips
• Visit ShareTheRide.com to plan a transit trip or find a carpool or vanpool
• Avoid activities that generate dust, such as driving on dirt roads

Burn Cleaner, Burn Better with gas or electric instead of wood. Get help switching over with:

MCAQD Fireplace Retrofit Program | View >

MCAQD Propane Fire Pit Program | View >

BACKGROUND

• High Pollution Advisory (HPA): Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is expected to exceed the federal health standard
• Health Watch: Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is expected to approach the federal health standard
• Particulate Matter: State and county agencies measure levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air. PM is extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets that circulate in air. PM comes from combustion (cars, industry, wood burning) or dust stirred up into the air. High levels of PM occur when air is especially stagnant or windy. Two types of PM are measured: PM-10, commonly called dust, and PM-2.5, commonly called soot. PM-10 refers to dust particles 10 microns or less and PM-2.5 to soot particles 2.5 microns or less. For perspective, one strand of human hair is 70-100 microns in size.

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CONTACTS

The mission of the Maricopa County Air Quality Department is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents and visitors can live, work and play in a healthy environment. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Visit www.CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Bob Huhn – 602-506-6713 desk/602-526-7307 cell

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The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides a daily forecast for air quality and issues HPAs or Health Watches when these conditions exist. Please visit legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/phoenix.htm for tomorrow’s forecast or SUBSCRIBE to receive air quality forecasts via email and/or text message.
CONTACT: Erin Jordan – 602-771-2215 desk/602-540-8072 cell