PHOENIX (Dec. 21, 2012) – Maricopa County Air Quality Department announced today, the release of a new coloring book entitled “Winter in the Desert.” The 16-page book is designed to be used as a tool for students to learn about air pollution, how to help prevent air pollution and become good environmental stewards.
The book is a collaborative effort among MCAQD, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Phoenix Center for the Arts. The coloring book can be downloaded at
“Winter in the Desert” is being released at this time because the Phoenix Metropolitan area typically has its highest levels of smoke from woodburning fireplaces, stoves and chimineas during the holiday season. As a result of the high smoke levels, repeated high pollution advisories and health watches are issued this time of the year by ADEQ and “No-Burn Days” by Maricopa County Air Quality Department.
“Everyone, including children understands the importance of clean air,” Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director Bill Wiley said. “Through the characters in “Winter in the Desert” children and adults will learn more about the air and how to protect it and also have fun.”
For more information, on what you can do to keep the air clean in Maricopa County go to www.cleanairmakemore.com. ADEQ air quality forecasts for the Phoenix metropolitan area are available at http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf and to find out if a no-burn day has been issued, go to http://www.maricopa.gov/aq/ .
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. The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Please visit www.cleanairmakemore.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Bob Huhn – (602) 506-6713 desk / (602) 526-7307 cell.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides a daily forecast for air quality. When conditions exist, ADEQ will issue high pollution advisories or health watches. Please visit www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf or call (602) 771-2367. To receive the air quality forecast via email and/or text message please visit www.azdeq.gov/subscribe.html
CONTACT: Mark Shaffer – (602) 771-2215 desk
The Phoenix Center for the Arts provides opportunities to participate in the visual and performing arts through quality classes and programming. The Center offers classes for youth, families, and adults in visual arts, such as painting, ceramics, and glass, as well as classes in music, theatre, and dance. Please visit phoenixcenterforthearts.org to learn more.
CONTACT: Joseph Benesh – (718) 674-4414 cell / (602) 254-6926 office.