Air Quality Watch
April 26, 2016
Contact: Beth Gorman For Immediate Release
(520) 724 -7446
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Pima County, Ariz. – The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is issuing an air quality watch due to elevated levels of particulate matter. Yesterday’s high winds caused particulate levels to increase and today’s haze is due to calmer air flow keeping the particles suspended.
Individuals with heart disease and respiratory sensitivities may want to reduce their level of exertion to decrease the amount of particulates they breathe into their lungs. Those most at risk may feel better if they avoid outside exercise, stay inside as much as possible, and keep windows and doors closed to help reduce exposure to particulate matter.
Particulate matter is made up of tiny specks of soot, dust, and aerosols that are suspended in the air we breathe. Particulate matter can come from either combustion (cars, industry, fires) or dust from disturbed land that becomes airborne with high winds.
PDEQ monitors air pollution in our region at 17 air quality monitoring sites. Up-to-the-hour air pollution levels are available in the air monitoring section of the PDEQ website at www.pima.gov/deq. The public can sign up at http://webcms.pima.gov/government/environmental_quality/ to receive Air Quality Advisories and other Pima County Department of Environmental Quality notices directly via email.
Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) serves Pima County residents by protecting public health and the environment. PDEQ monitors air and water quality; provides hazardous and solid waste programs that ensures waste minimization and pollution prevention; assesses environmental compliance; processes environmental permits and plans; responds to public complaints and inquiries with investigations and enforcement; and reaches the community via public outreach, education, and citizens’ assistance. Visit us at http://webcms.pima.gov/government/environmental_quality/ or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PimaDEQ.