Press Release
Air Quality

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) effective December 24, 2018 in Nogales. PM-2.5 is made up of small particles (soot) found in smoke. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

Access the latest air quality forecast information at:

Health Impacts

People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors and people with heart or lung disease and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues. Long-term exposure is linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat and decreased lung function.

Please help reduce PM-2.5 by doing one or more of the following:

  • Use gas or electric instead of burning wood
  • Limit the lighting of fireworks
  • Ride transit, carpool or telework
  • Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips
  • If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood (burning wet wood releases more particulate matter)

Background

High Pollution Advisory (HPA): Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.

Also issued on:

  • December 22 for PM-2.5
  • December 23 for PM-2.5

Health Watch: Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.

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: PM-10, commonly called dust, and PM-2.5, commonly called soot or smoke. PM-10 is 10 microns or less in size and PM-2.5 is 2.5 microns or less in size. For perspective, one strand of human hair is 70-100 microns in size.

Contact

Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | E- mail >

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides hourly forecasts for air quality in certain areas of the state and issues HPAs or Health Watches when the appropriate conditions exist. View Website >