PHOENIX (December 22, 2022) – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Friday, December 23 to Monday, December 26, for particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), also known as smoke, 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 improve air quality:
- 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): An alert that 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.
MEDIA CONTACT [Eng/Spa]
Ari Halpert
602-501-1266 cell
602-506-6713 desk
Ari.Halpert@maricopa.gov
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
MCAQD’s mission is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. MCAQD is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. For air quality information and resources, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com.
Follow us on Instagram: @Maricopacountycleanair
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Download MCAQD’s Clean Air Make More app! It is free to download and use and is available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad and on Google Play for Android.