The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has declared a “No Burn Day” for Friday, July 21, 2023 due to high levels of Particulate Matter 10 (PM10), also known as dust, for Maricopa County, Arizona.
The following mandatory restrictions are in effect during a No Burn Day:
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires (including hotels and restaurants and individuals/businesses that have permits for open burning) is prohibited in Maricopa County.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid using leaf blowers during pollution advisories.
- Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.
People with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution. PM10 can travel deeply into the respiratory tract and cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to these fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
MCAQD encourage residents and employers to use the following tips and resources to help make the air healthier to breathe:
- Visit Maricopa.gov/AQ to learn more about reducing air pollution.
- Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute.
- Visit ShareTheRide.com to plan a transit trip or find a carpool or vanpool.
- Avoid activities that generate dust, such as driving on dirt roads.
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BACKGROUND
Particulate Matter: State and county agencies measure levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air. PM is extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets that circulate in air. PM comes from combustion (cars, industry, wood burning) or dust stirred up into the air. High levels of PM occur when air is especially stagnant or windy. Two types of PM are measured: PM10, commonly called dust, refers to dust particles 10 microns or less and PM2.5, or soot particles, are 2.5 microns or less. For perspective, one strand of human hair is 70-100 microns in size.
MEDIA CONTACT [English/Spanish]
Ari Halpert
602-501-1266 cell
602-506-6713 desk
ari.halpert@maricopa.gov
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
MCAQD’s mission is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. MCAQD is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. For air quality information and resources, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.
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