A Fragile Crust is Enough to Keep Dust Down Who is responsible for airborne dust? Although the Pima County Even though we live in the desert, we Department of Environmental Quality should not expect to have dust in the air regulates the quality of our air, it is the we breathe. The soils of undisturbed desert responsibility of business, industry, and land naturally bind together forming a individuals to ensure that dust stays on the crust, called desert pavement. Although the ground, and not in the air. pavement is fragile, it resists wind and helps prevent dust particles from becoming airborne. However, when the crust is broken, small particles can get into the air during the activity, or later during high wind events. Airborne dust, or particle pollution, causes significant problems with human For Pima County Dust Rules, Airborne health and the environment, and should be Complaints, or Air Information: minimized. Pima County Department of Dust and What could happen if we don’t Environmental Quality control airborne dust? 33 N. Stone Ave, Suite 700 Your Health In 1999, Pima County violated the Tucson, AZ 85701 Environmental Protection Agency’s 520.724.7400 • Fax: 520.838.7432 national air quality health standards for www.deq.pima.gov particle pollution. Currently, we are www.AirInfoNow.org maintaining the air quality standards under new Pima County rules and regulations. Pima County Board of Supervisors Ann Day, Supervisor, District 1 Besides harming human health, if we Ramón Valadez, Supervisor, District 2 do not continue to control airborne dust, Sharon Bronson, Supervisor, District 3 Ray Carroll, Supervisor, District 4 we will have more stringent federal rules, Richard Elías, Supervisor, District 5 We live in the desert. more costly fines, and may possibly lose Should we expect dust federal monies for transportation projects. County Administrator C.H. Huckelberry to be in the air?

Sources of information for this brochure include the Environmental Protection Agency and Do Your Part For Healthy Air. American Lung Association. Keep Dust Down. Printed on recycled paper 7/04 Dust Control Issues Simple Solutions to Help Clear the Air What is airborne dust? Airborne dust is particle, or Particulate Matter (PM), pollution, and is one of the There are many methods that may be most significant air pollutants in Pima County. PM is made up of tiny solid particles or used to control airborne dust. Common liquid droplets (a fraction of the thickness of a human hair) that float in the air we breathe. solutions for different sources include: Because they are so small, you cannot see individual particles, but you can sometimes see the haze that is formed when millions of particles blur the spread of sunlight. Individuals ¥ Limit fireplace and campfire use Where does airborne dust come from? ¥ Use propane instead of charcoal Any type of earth-moving activity or combustion can produce excessive amounts of barbecue grills particles in the air, whether it be from businesses, industry, or individuals. Sources include: ¥ Drive slowly on dirt roads ¥ Disturbed vacant or open lands ¥ Charcoal or wood-burning barbecues ¥ Use alternative-fueled vehicle ¥ Construction and mining activity ¥ Off-road vehicle activity Off-Road Vehicles ¥ Landscaping maintenance activity ¥ Unpaved and paved roads, parking lots ¥ Drive slowly on dirt roads ¥ Industrial sources ¥ Diesel exhaust ¥ Stay on existing roads or trails ¥ Fires: fireplace, camp, forest ¥ Agricultural activity ¥ Avoid silty, or powdery soils Why should I be concerned about airborne dust? ¥ Keep from riding in residential areas Particles can be so small that they pass through Open/Vacant Land the nasal passage and travel to the deepest parts of ¥ Prevent motor vehicle trespassing the lungs and cause damage. To compound the ¥ Plant native drought-tolerant vegetation problem, toxic and cancer-causing chemicals can Construction/Mining attach themselves to PM yielding much more ¥ Water at sufficient quantity, frequency, profound effects. The tiniest of particles can even pass and depth before, during, after activity into the bloodstream through the lungs. ¥ Prevent trackout of dirt or mud onto People most at risk from breathing particle paved roads pollution are children, the elderly, and people with ¥ Cover haul materials respiratory or heart disease. Healthy people can be affected as well, especially outdoor exercisers. Effects Landscape Maintenance of breathing PM for hours, days, or years include: ¥ Use manual brooms or electric vacuum ¥ Breathing difficulties ¥ Increased absenteeism at school/work blowers instead of gas-powered leaf ¥ Respiratory pain ¥ Increased severity of acute bronchitis, blowers ¥ Diminished lung function pneumonia, asthma, and emphysema Take Action Now! ¥ Weakened immune systems ¥ Heart attacks and strokes ¥ Increased hospitalization ¥ Premature death (1-8 years) Keep the Air Healthy Airborne particulates can also reduce visibility which can be hazardous while to Breathe. driving, and interferes with views.