The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is issuing an air quality watch due to rising levels of particulate matter in the Tucson metropolitan area. The monitors at PDEQ’s sites in Green Valley do not have elevated readings at this time, although this could change as winds continue during the day.
The National Weather Service is predicting gusty westerly and northwesterly winds, so although particulate levels are currently in the moderate range (80 on the Air Quality Index), they could approach the unhealthy range (101 on the AQI) as the day progresses.
Individuals with heart disease and respiratory sensitivities in dust-prone areas 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 dust from disturbed land that becomes airborne with high winds and also from combustion sources such as cars, industry, and fires.
PDEQ monitors air pollution in our region at 16 air quality monitoring sites in eastern Pima County.
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.