The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a
PM-2.5 High Pollution Advisory for December 31, 2022 - January 1, 2023.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recommends that the general public limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) in Maricopa County. This HPA is due to particle pollutant levels expected to accumulate enough to exceed the federal health standard for PM-2.5. People with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution.
Particulate matter is extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets that circulate in air. Particulate matter comes from combustion (cars, industry, wood burning) or dust stirred up into the air. High levels of particulate matter occur when air is especially stagnant or windy. Two types of particulate matter are measured by state and county agencies: 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.
During this HPA, Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has declared a “No Burn Day” in Maricopa County, and the following mandatory restrictions are in effect:
- Open burning activity is restricted in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers.
- Off-highway vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Here is what you can do:
- Drive as little as possible: car pool, or use public transit. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Share the Ride.
- Stabilize loose soils.
- Eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
- Recreational off-highway vehicle use is prohibited during the advisory period.
- Avoid activities that generate dust, such as driving on dirt roads.
- Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
- The use of leaf blowers on governmental properties is prohibited during the advisory period.
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