Particulate Matter (Dust and Smoke)
Dust - Particulate Matter 10 microns
PM 10 stands for Particulate Matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. This is most commonly dust.
The City of Phoenix works to promote healthy outdoor air for all residents. The 2021 Climate Action Plan includes the 2050 goal to meet U.S. EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
What we are doing to reduce dust:
- Paving and stabilization of streets, lots and alleys
- Enforcing dust code violations (Phoenix City Codes 23-85.01B1&(3-4), 24-51, 36-145A)
- Collaborating with regional partners to promote healthy air in the valley
What you can do to reduce dust:
- Avoid using lawnmowers and leaf blowers over dusty areas
- Stablize open areas and landscaping to reduce blowing dust
- Never use a leaf blower to blow debris out of truck beds or trailers or into the streets
- Prevent unwanted vehicle access to vacant lots and areas with landscaping, fencing, signs or berms
- Don't drive on road shoulders except in emergencies
- Report violations to the Maricopa County Air Quality Department at 602-372-2703.
Smoke - Particulate Matter 2.5 microns
PM 2.5 stands for Particulate Matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. These particles are invisible to the naked eye but can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. This is most commonly smoke and soot.
In Phoenix, a combination of wood burning and stagnant weather conditions can create poor air quality during the winter season. In an effort to reduce smoke produced by wood-burning, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department offers residents programs encouraging alternatives to wood burning.
The Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit Program retrofits existing wood-burning fireplaces to gas. You must be in the program boundaries to apply. The program boundaries are Baseline Road to Northern Avenue and 59th Avenue to 16th Street.
The Propane Fire Pit Program gives Maricopa County residents a $75 voucher to buy a propane fire pit at participating Home Depot stores.
Both of these programs allow you to burn on No Burn Days as they provide zero-emission alternatives to wood burning.
Maricopa County Air Quality Programs and Campaigns
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Fireplace Retofit Program
The Fireplace Retrofit Program reduces pollution from wood burning fireplaces. Eligibility is limited. View county website for more info.
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Propane Fire Pit Program
Residents can receive a voucher to purchase a new propane fire pit, which will eliminate pollution which would otherwise come from burning wood.
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Burn Cleaner, Burn Better!
In Maricopa County, a combination of wood burning and stagnant weather conditions can create poor air quality during the winter season. Help by Burnin