[ADEQ Media] ADEQ Issues High Pollution Advisory for Particulate Matter for Thursday, April 12

[media@lists.azdeq.gov]

ADEQ Issues High Pollution Advisory for Particulate Matter for Thursday,
April 12

PHOENIX (April 11, 2007) - The Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Thursday, April
12 for the Phoenix metropolitan area due to forecast weather conditions
which are expected to generate levels of coarse Particulate Matter 10
(PM10) or dust that could exceed unhealthy levels. 

The HPA is being issued for Thursday because high winds combined with
dry conditions are expected to result in unhealthy levels of airborne
PM10 particles. It is the first HPA issued for 2007.

"We are anticipating that high winds will kick up a substantial amount
of dust, leading to unhealthy conditions," said ADEQ Director Steve
Owens. 

ADEQ recommends that children and adults with respiratory problems avoid
outdoor activities on Thursday and suggests that the general public
limit outdoor activity throughout the day. Employers participating in
the Valley's Trip Reduction Program should implement their pollution
reduction action plans and all Valley residents should reduce
particulate matter-producing emissions by taking the following steps:

*	Car pool, use mass transit, telecommute and/or reduce driving. 
*	Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
*	Avoid activities that generate dust, such as driving on dirt
roads.
*	Stabilize loose soils. 
*	Eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.

PM10 refers to particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller.
Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause
serious health effects, including increased respiratory symptoms,
irritation of the airways, coughing, difficulty breathing, decreased
lung function, aggravated asthma, development of chronic bronchitis,
irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death in
people with heart or lung disease.

Daily air quality forecasts are on ADEQ's Web site at
www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf or by calling (602)
771-2367. Those interested in receiving the air quality forecast via
email can subscribe to our forecast list at
www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html.

-end-

News media interested in additional information on this or any other
topic concerning the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality should
contact the Office of Communications at (602) 771-2215 or via email at
communications@azdeq.gov.