Phoenix (3TV/CBS 5) — The air quality in Maricopa County this New Year's Day was pretty bad, and despite what you think, it's not just fireworks that are causing the problem, it's cars and firewood as well.
The Maricopa County Air Quality Authority issued a high pollution advisory Monday morning, asking people not to burn wood or coal in fireplaces, stoves or outdoor fire pits. It also asks residents to drive less and to carpool or use public transportation instead. This type of air quality can increase your chances of lung disease or even trigger an asthma attack. “The smoke has nowhere to go, it just stays in the lowest few hundred feet of the atmosphere and accumulates over time,” said Alex Young, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
There are no restrictions on the purchase or use of legal fireworks. However, these fireworks can cause damage even hours after they are set off. “Everyone turning off their lights at the same time of the night, or turning off all lights at the same time in the new year. All of that can have a big impact on air quality,” said Brad Buzbee from MCAQD.
“Things will be a little bit more difficult today because the skies are cloudy, so the warm-up will be a little slower and the smoke dispersion will be slower than on a clear day,” Young said. “It can have a big impact on the lungs and help them function well. The recommendation is to spend less time outdoors and reduce physical activity,” Young said.
(Data widget provided by: US Environmental Protection Agency)
Was there a spelling or grammatical error in your story? Click here to report.
Have a breaking news photo or video? Submit that's for us here Comes with a simple explanation.
Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
