Arizona Issues Dust Advisory for Maricopa County on May 4

Health Alert: Dust Pollution Advisory in Maricopa County

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Maricopa County on Sunday, May 4, due to elevated levels of coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀). These particles are predicted to surpass the federal health standard, posing health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups.

Individuals with existing heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and children are most susceptible to the adverse effects of PM₁₀. These tiny particles can penetrate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, as well as coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure may impair lung function and exacerbate conditions like asthma and heart disease.

Restrictions and Recommendations

To minimize pollution levels, the following restrictions are in place:

Burning wood in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits is banned in Maricopa County. This restriction also applies to individuals and businesses with open burn permits.

Government employees and contractors are prohibited from using leaf blowers. Residents are also advised to refrain from leaf blowing during the advisory.

Recreational off-road vehicle use is discouraged.

ADEQ advises the public to reduce outdoor activities, especially in the case of children and those with respiratory issues. The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) also suggests several measures to aid in reducing air pollution:

Avoid dust-generating actions such as driving on unpaved roads.

Stabilize loose soils to prevent dust from becoming airborne.

Refrain from using fireplaces and wood stoves.

Replace leaf blowers with rakes or brooms for cleaning debris.

Limit driving by carpooling, using public transport, or telecommuting. For transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.

Understanding Particulate Matter and Pollution Advisories

The HPA alerts the public when air pollutant levels are expected to exceed federal health standards. Particulate matter (PM) includes minuscule solid particles and liquid droplets in the air, originating from combustion processes and dust. PM₁₀ refers to dust particles of 10 microns or smaller, while PM_2.5 indicates soot particles of 2.5 microns or smaller. To put this in perspective, a single strand of human hair measures between 70-100 microns in diameter.

The mission of the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is to enhance air quality for the community’s health and well-being. For more information on air quality, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.

For further details, contact Ari Halpert at 602-501-1266 (cell) or 602-506-6713 (desk), or email [email protected].

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