The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a dust High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for August 17, 2020, for coarse particulate matter (PM-10) for Maricopa County, Ariz. This HPA is due to particle pollutant levels expected to accumulate enough to exceed the federal health standard for PM-10.
During this HPA 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)
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing during HPAs.
- Use of off-road vehicles are prohibited
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing during HPAs.
People with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution. PM-10 particles are so small they are able to travel into the respiratory tract where they 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 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, Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) and Valley Metro 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 valleymetro.org and ShareTheRide.com to plan a transit trip or find a carpool or vanpool
- Avoid activities that generate dust, such as driving on dirt roads
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: 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 Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides a daily forecast for air quality and issues HPAs when these conditions exist. Please visit azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf for tomorrow’s forecast or SUBSCRIBE to receive air quality forecasts via email and/or text message.
CONTACT: Caroline Oppleman – 602-540-8072 cell
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. 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: cleanairmakemore.com.
CONTACT: Bob Huhn – 602-506-6713 desk/602-526-7307 cell