The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is issuing an air quality advisory due to the potential for elevated levels of particulate matter this afternoon and tonight.

The dry conditions and winds are causing higher than normal levels of airborne particulate matter today and wind gusts are predicted to be as high as 34 miles per hour tonight and 47 m.p.h. tomorrow afternoon.

Particulate matter is made up of tiny specks of soot, dust, and aerosols that are suspended in the air we breathe.

Individuals with heart disease and respiratory sensitivities may wish to reduce exposure to outside air this afternoon and tonight. And if you need to go outside, it is suggested you reduce your level of exertion to decrease the amount of particulates you breathe into your lungs.

This advisory will be in effect as long as current weather conditions continue.

PDEQ monitors air pollution in our region at 18 air quality monitoring sites. Up-to-the-hour air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website www.airinfonow.org or by calling the PDEQ hotline at (520) 882-4AIR.

Pima County, Ariz. (Feb. 27, 2012) – The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday for particulate matter pollution. The advisory is in effect for 24 hours.

Dry conditions and wind gusts forecast at up to 45 miles per hour will likely cause high levels of airborne particulate matter. Particulate matter is made up of the tiny specks of soot, dust, and aerosols that are suspended in the air we breathe.

Individuals with heart disease and respiratory sensitivities may wish to reduce their exposure to outside air Monday afternoon and night. If  you go outside, it is suggested you reduce your level of exertion to decrease the amount of particulates you breathe into your lungs.

PDEQ monitors air pollution in the region at 18 different air quality monitoring sites. Up-to-the-hour air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website www.AirInfoNow.org or by calling the PDEQ hotline at (520) 882-4AIR.

Pima County, Ariz. (Nov. 4, 2011) – The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Friday for particulate matter pollution, due to forecasted high winds.

Dry conditions and wind gusts forecasted at up to 50 miles per hour will likely cause high levels of airborne particulate matter later in the day.

Particulate matter readings from PDED monitoring sites were elevated late Friday morning and as wind speeds continue to increase throughout the day, the particulate levels will get higher. Particulate matter is tiny specks of soot, dust, and aerosols that are suspended in the air.

Individuals with heart disease and respiratory sensitivities may wish to reduce their exposure to outside air this afternoon and tonight. And, if you need to go outside, it is suggested you reduce your level of exertion to decrease the amount of particulates you breathe into your lungs.

The advisory will remain in effect as long as current weather conditions continue.

PDEQ monitors air pollution in our region at 18 different air quality monitoring sites. Up-to-the-hour air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website www.AirInfoNow.org or by calling the PDEQ hotline at (520) 882-4AIR.