PHOENIX (December 18, 2020) – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for December 18 & 19, 2020, for Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), also known as soot, for Maricopa County, Arizona. This HPA has been issued because particle pollutant levels are expected to exceed the federal health standard for PM2.5.
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has declared a “No Burn Day” in Maricopa County and the following mandatory restrictions are in effect during the HPA:
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimineas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires (including hotels and restaurants and individuals/businesses that have permits for open burning) is prohibited.
- Use of leaf blowers on governmental properties is prohibited.
- Use of off-road vehicles is prohibited.
People with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution. Particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 microns (PM2.5) can travel deeply into the respiratory tract and 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 HPA Plans immediately. ADEQ further recommends that the general public limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
ADEQ and MCAQD 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.
- Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute.
- 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.
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BACKGROUND
- High Pollution Advisory (HPA): Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is expected to exceed 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: PM10, commonly called dust, refers to dust particles 10 microns or less and PM2.5, or soot particles, are 2.5 microns or less. For perspective, one strand of human hair is 70-100 microns in size.
CONTACTS
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides a daily forecast for air quality and issues HPAs when these conditions exist. Please visit azdeq.gov/PHOENIX/Forecast for tomorrow’s forecast or SUBSCRIBE to receive air quality forecasts via email and/or text message.
CONTACT: ADEQ Public Information Officer - 602-540-8072 cell or pio@azdeq.gov
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 CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Maria Bonilla - 602-506-7856 desk / 602-396-0527 cell or maria.bonilla@maricopa.gov
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