PHOENIX (December 06, 2021) – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has declared a “No Burn Day” in Maricopa County for Monday, December 6 due to high levels of Particulate Matter 10 (PM10), also known as dust.
The following mandatory restrictions are in effect:
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires (including hotels and restaurants and individuals/businesses that have permits for open burning) is prohibited in Maricopa County.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid using leaf blowers during pollution advisories.
- Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.
People with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution. 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.
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
- 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 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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