01 January 2019

Experiencing The Worse Pollution In Years










 
 

  It's just not the ozone we really need TO DO something about - There's Particulate Matter
Keep in mind, the federal health standard for PM2.5 is the 24-hour average cannot reach or exceed 35.5 micrograms per cubic meter.
These are the forecast values for PM 2.5 for this first week of the New Year 2019
Air Quality PM 2.5 Particulate Matter
Monday 12/31/2018  102
Tuesday 1/1/2019     139
Wednesday1/2/2019   68
Thursday 1/3/2019      68
Friday 1/4/2019           69
 
Tuesday Forecast:
Alert: PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory in effect for Tuesday

Ozone 42 AQI
Max 8-hr Avg: 45 ppb



PM10 72 AQI
24-hr Avg: 97 µg/m3



PM2.5 139 AQI
24-hr Avg: 50.8 µg/m3




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High Pollution Advisory Maricopa County Phoenix December 31 2018Yesterday, the last day of the old year was another High Pollution Advisory. 
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) effective December 31, 2018 in Maricopa County.
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.
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Contact
Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | E- mail > 
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Air Quality Monitoring Locations & Cameras
  • ADEQ Statewide Monitors | View > 
  • Maricopa County Monitors | View >
  • Current Visibility in Phoenix Metro via ADEQ Webcams | View >

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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 23, 2018 for PM-2.5
  • December 24, 2018 for PM-2.5
  • December 25, 2018 for PM-2.5
Health Watch: Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.
Issued on:
  • December 22, 2018 for PM-2.5
 
IN A RECORD-SETTING YEAR since 2012 
In August 2018 there were already 49 days here in Maricopa County that violated federal health standards 
PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10 and PM2.5)
The term “particulate matter” (PM) includes extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets that circulate in the air.
Commonly called dust, particles 10 micrometers in diameter or less (PM10) can be inhaled and accumulate in the respiratory system.
Commonly called soot, particles 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less (PM2.5) are responsible for visibility degradations such as the “Valley Brown Cloud."
High levels of PM occur when the air is especially stagnant or windy.
Sources: 
All types of combustion (motor vehicles, industry, wood burning, etc.) and some industrial processes cause fine PM (less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter).
Crushing or grinding operations and dust from paved or unpaved roads cause coarse PM (between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter).
Potential health impacts: PM can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and can aggravate existing respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Units of measurement: Micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3)
Averaging interval: 24 hours (midnight to midnight)
Reduction tips: WTF???
Stabilize loose soils,
Slow down on dirt roads,
Carpool 
Use public transit.
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Go after sources of emissions
> Reduce Industrial emission sources
> Impose fines for violations
> Reduce Toxic emissions from cars with internal combustion engines burning fossil fuels
>

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Maricopa County Experiencing Worst Ozone Pollution In Years
By Will Stone   
Published: Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - 6:52pm
Updated: Thursday, August 23, 2018 - 11:06am
 
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.
 

2017 

Phoenix 
2016  
Phoenix 
 

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