[ADEQ Media] ADEQ Issues First High Pollution Advisory of Season for Particulate Matter for Sunday, Dec. 28

[media@lists.azdeq.gov]

ADEQ Issues First High Pollution Advisory of Season for Particulate
Matter for Sunday, Dec. 28

PHOENIX (Dec. 26, 2008) - The Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Sunday, Dec. 28
for the Phoenix metropolitan area because of forecast weather conditions
that are expected to be conducive for unhealthy levels of fine
Particulate Matter 2.5 microns and smaller (PM2.5), primarily smoke and
soot generated by burning wood in indoor and outdoor fireplaces and
emissions from motor vehicles.  

The HPA is being issued because of anticipated colder weather conditions
that will worsen the temperature inversion and an expected stagnant air
mass over the weekend, both of which will result in elevated levels of
smoke and soot pollution in the Valley.


"This is the first High Pollution Advisory for particulate matter
pollution we have issued this winter season," ADEQ Director Steve Owens
said. "Because the largest sources of the projected pollution are word
burning and vehicle emissions, we urge Valley residents to not use their
wood-burning fireplaces or stoves or do any outside burning, as well as
reduce their vehicle use to the greatest extent possible.  We also
advise residents to take steps to reduce their exposure to the
pollution, especially children, seniors and people with asthma and other
respiratory problems." 

The highest concentrations of PM2.5 recorded during winter months in the
past several years have been dominated by wood smoke, based on
measurements made by ADEQ's air quality monitoring equipment.  If Valley
residents refrain from or reduce wood-burning activities, it can help
prevent a violation of the health standard for PM2.5. 

ADEQ recommends that children and adults with respiratory problems avoid
outdoor activities on Sunday 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: 

*	Eliminate fireplace and wood stove use. 
*	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. 

PM2.5 refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or
smaller. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs
and cause health effects, including irritation of the airways, coughing,
difficulty breathing, decreased lung function, asthma, development of
chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, 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.

-30-

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.

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