ADEQ’s app for pollution advice…

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) effective Oct. 6, 2021, in the Yuma area. PM2.5 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.

People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, 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.

The department pleads to follow the following practices to reduce the particulate matters in air: i) Use gas or electric instead of burning wood; ii) Limit the lighting of fireworks; iii) Ride transit, carpool or telework; iv) Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips; and v) If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood as burning wet wood releases more particulate matter.

ADEQ provides hourly forecasts for air quality in certain areas of the state and issues HPAs or HPWs (High Pollution Watch), when the appropriate conditions exist. Its suggested good practices are very useful at all parts of the world

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