PHOENIX (AP) - Environmental regulators have issued weekend-long high pollution advisories for metropolitan Phoenix and for Nogales in southern Arizona.
The advisory was announced Friday because both areas are expected to see high levels of fine soot in the air known as PM 2.5.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is advising residents to limit outdoor activity on Saturday and Sunday, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems.
Wood-burning is banned in Maricopa County and strongly discouraged in Nogales.
Residents are encouraged to drive only when necessary, use public transit or carpool and avoid using leaf blowers or off-road vehicles.
Tiny soot particles travel deep into lungs and can cause nose, throat and lung irritation and coughing. The fine particles can affect lung function and worsen asthma and heart disease.
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