[ADEQ Media] ADEQ Issues High Pollution Advisory for Particulate Matter for Sunday, March 22

[media@lists.azdeq.gov]

PHOENIX (March 20) - The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has
issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Sunday, March 22 for the
Phoenix metropolitan area because of forecast weather conditions that
are expected to be conducive to unhealthy levels of fine Particulate
Matter 10  microns and smaller (PM10). 

The HPA is being issued because of anticipated winds of 20-30 miles per
hour Sunday afternoon, with the possibility of gusts up to 40 miles per
hour. The combination of winds and loose, dry soil due to the recent
lack of rainfall means a high chance of blowing dust across the Valley
for several hours on Sunday. 

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. Due to the possibility of reduced
visibility because of dust, motorists should exercise caution.

In addition, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department has designated
Sunday to be a No-Burn Day for residential fireplaces, woodstoves and
outdoor burning devices. 

Also, under state law, the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) is
prohibited. Local ordinances in the Valley also limit the use of leaf
blowers.

PM10 refers to particles that are 10 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.

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