“Burn Cleaner, Burn Better” Air Pollution Campaign is Back for the Winter Season
PHOENIX (November 22, 2022) – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) launches the Burn Cleaner, Burn Better (BCBB) campaign this winter season to help protect the public’s health and prevent high concentrations of harmful air pollutants.
The BCBB campaign informs the public how smoke from wood burning fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas during the winter months poses a serious health threat to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues or heart disease. Fine particles can be absorbed into the blood stream and may lessen lung function, exacerbate bronchitis and asthma, and increase chances for heart attacks and premature death. People who engage in active, outdoor activities may also be negatively impacted by unhealthy levels of smoke in the air.
“The Burn Cleaner, Burn Better campaign encourages our community to participate in improving air quality in Maricopa County by not burning wood. As we enter this holiday season, we are reminded of the importance of protecting our loved ones, our environment, and our future. We have the choice to act now and help our tomorrow.”- Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Bill Gates
MCAQD declares a “No Burn Day” to help prevent air pollution from rising to unhealthy levels and protect the health of our community. Although most types of outdoor fires are prohibited, use of gas and electric devices are permitted on No Burn Days. The county benefits greatly from residents opting to make the switch from wood burning to alternative fuel burning devices.
“The health and safety of the public is the Air Quality Department’s focus when declaring No Burn Days, says MCAQD Director, Philip McNeely, “We have seen the positive impacts of residents and businesses coming together to improve air quality. The BCBB campaign promotes our continuous effort to reduce air pollution in our community”.
Reducing air pollution results in less money spent on medical care and less days missed from work and school. Maricopa County also benefits by maintaining compliance with federal health standards. This allows residents and businesses to avoid more burdensome and costly regulatory and enforcement programs which could cause an economic strain and/or inhibit the pursuit of various activities freely without a permit.
MCAQD offers two programs that help residents switch to cleaner-burning alternatives. The Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit and the Propane Fire Pit programs are designed to reduce smoke pollution. The programs offer no charge or discount options for retrofitting a wood burning fireplace with a natural gas log set or for purchasing propane fire pits to eligible residents.
To learn more about the BCBB campaign and the programs offered to reduce air pollution, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com/noburn. To find out if it is a No Burn Day, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com, download the Clean Air Make More mobile app through the App Store or Google Play, or call 602-506-6400.
View the BCBB campaign information video
MEDIA CONTACT
MEDIOS EN ESPAÑOL
Ari Halpert
602-501-1266 cell
602-506-6713 desk
Ari.Halpert@maricopa.gov
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
MCAQD’s mission is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. MCAQD is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. For air quality information and resources, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com.
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Download MCAQD’s Clean Air Make More app! It is free to download and use and is available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad and on Google Play for Android.