The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Sat. Dec. 31, 2016 and Sun. Jan. 1, 2017, for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) for Maricopa County, Arizona.

These HPAs are due to particle pollutant levels expected to accumulate enough to exceed the federal health standard for PM2.5.

During this HPA, Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) declares a “No Burn Day” in Maricopa County, which puts the following mandatory restrictions in effect:

Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimineas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires (including at hotels and restaurants and individuals/businesses that have permits for open burning)

Use of leaf blowers on governmental properties

Use of off-road vehicles

People with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution. Particles in the PM2.5 size range are able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and can 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.