PHX Reporter

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has announced a "No Burn Day" for Wednesday, December 18, due to elevated levels of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), also known as smoke, in Maricopa County, Arizona.

During this advisory, several restrictions are mandatory. Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar fires is prohibited across the county. This includes hotels and restaurants as well as individuals or businesses with open burning permits. Additionally, government employees and contractors are banned from using leaf blowers. Residents are advised to refrain from using them during pollution advisories. Off-road vehicle use should also be avoided.

Particular attention is advised for people with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and children who are most susceptible to particle pollution. PM10 can penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract causing short-term health effects such as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs; coughing; sneezing; runny nose; and shortness of breath. Exposure may impair lung function and exacerbate conditions like asthma and heart disease.

The MCAQD offers several recommendations to help improve air quality:

- Visit Maricopa.gov/AQ for information on reducing air pollution.

- Minimize driving by carpooling or using public transportation.

- Use ShareTheRide.com to plan transit trips or find carpool options.

- Avoid activities that create dust like driving on dirt roads.

Particulate matter consists of small solid particles and liquid droplets in the air originating from combustion sources such as vehicles and industry or stirred-up dust. It is measured by state and county agencies with PM10 referring to particles 10 microns or smaller while PM2.5 refers to particles 2.5 microns or smaller.

For further information about air quality standards governed by the federal Clean Air Act and managed by MCAQD under the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.

Media inquiries can be directed to Ari Halpert at 602-501-1266 (cell) or 602-506-6713 (desk).