“Air-Friendly” Grilling Practices for 4th of July Weekend

August 24, 2010



Clean Air Make More

 July 1, 2010

Contact: Holly Ward: 602-506-6713/desk * 602-526-7307/cell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Clean Air Make More Urges “Air-Friendly” Grilling Practices for 4th of July Weekend

PHOENIX—This week marked the third High Pollution Advisory (HPA) and 16th health watch for ground level ozone pollution in Maricopa County. A consequence of high concentrations of pollution, HPAs are formulated using meteorology and statistics from the Maricopa County Air Quality Department monitoring stations, which this season have already logged a seventh day when at least one of the 23 stations recorded levels above the federal health standards for ozone. While there are many practical steps residents can take to help reduce pollution in our Valley skies at www.cleanairmakemore.com, given that many residents will heat up their ovens or fire up the grill for the long Fourth of July weekend, Clean Air Make More offers timely alternatives in clean air baking and grilling practices.

“Ozone pollution can be a real deal breaker when it comes to your holiday celebration,” said Holly Ward, public information officer for the Maricopa County Air Quality Department and Clean Air Make More. “Ovens add heat to the house while draining your energy bill and wood burning grills send particulate matter directly into your lungs and the air around you.”

Gas grills are a better alternative to wood or coal grilling, and for individuals seeking to save energy and save the air, solar ovens could be another choice. Solar cooking has been happening for hundreds of years and seems to be growing in popularity again. In fact, according to www.sunoven.com there are 13 sun oven dealers in Arizona, four in Maricopa County. Locally, Clean Air Make More partner and Maricopa County Sustainability Manager Jonce Walker is enthusiastic about this approach to cooking.

“It is time to consider new ways of doing things, including cooking,” said Walker. “Solar ovens could contribute to an enriching healthy lifestyle combined with environmental benefits that are desperately needed, plus the food is delicious!”

In addition to PM-2.5, according to studies in the journal Inhalation Toxicology wood smoke contains carbon monoxide and cancer-causing chemicals. Research shows that wood smoke's major ingredient — PM-2.5 or tiny particles of soot and liquid pollution — worsens heart disease and triggers asthma attacks.

Learn more about “air-friendly” practices at www.cleanairmakemore.com, or follow the effort on Twitter and Facebook.

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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.


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