Staff Writer, DL Mullan
Community Interest / Medicine
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People with respiratory issues have a hard time breathing this time of the year. Not because of the cooler temperatures, but because of the burning activities of Valley residents.
Imagine if you had asthma, emphysema, or worse, then looked at the smog lacing the metro area's sky. It's not fun to be unable to breathe. It's even worse when someone has to visit the hospital for an emergency intervention.
Here is a snippet from Phoenix's AirNow:
We are closing on some worst days for pollution historically. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day see some of the worst pollution that is entirely preventable here in the Valley. Festive fireplace and fire pit activity on these nights and days leave a blanket of smoke over the Phoenix metropolitan area that gets trapped by inversions. Unfortunately, these levels of pollution are so extreme that Health Watches and High Pollution Advisories are issued, triggering No Burn restrictions from Maricopa County. We can reverse this trend, but we need your help.
For more, visit: http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/Holiday%20Burning.pdf. Check back tomorrow for more. Until then, have a good day! -J.Paul
Give more than material gifts this holiday season. Give the gift of breathing. Limit your festive burning activities and let others enjoy the holidays as well.
Source: Airnow Phoenix
