For the second week in a row, the Valley will end the work week under a health watch for fine particulate matter pollution.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued the health watch for Friday because PM-2.5 levels may exceed federal standards.
Because of the health watch, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department will issue No Burn Day restrictions on Friday from midnight to midnight. The ban includes using fireplaces, fire pits or open outdoor burning.
Particulate matter can aggravate existing respiratory issues such as asthma. It comes from either combustion (cars, industry, woodburning) or dust stirred up into the air.
To report an air quality problem or polluter, call (602) 372-2703, or file a complaint online at www.maricopa.gov/aq under the "contact us" tab.
