Introduction to Utah Air Quality

Utah's air during the winter months can be hazardous to your health. The poor air quality is due to the inversion that sets in with the absence of winter storms. Indoor air quality can also become poor during the winter months due to the lack of fresh air circulating from keeping windows and doors closed. Being informed on the best practices available will give everyone the proper tools to protect their health from poor air quality, as well has help to protect others too.

Summer Fires

Utah goes through many phases. The best name to describe the phase during July to September would be the burning phase. Every year without fail, somewhere in Utah burns due to hot, dry conditions and various human or mother nature contributions (fire works, camp fires, lightning, etc). The land owners are not the only people that suffer from the effects of wildfires. The particulate matter produced in the form of fine ash covers huge portions of the state and cause poor breathing conditions. The American Lung Association has several general recommendations for dealing with the poor breathing conditions that accompany wild fires. They basically suggest avoiding any exposure to the particulate matter. Don't go outside, roll up windows while in your car, avoid exercising outside in the air etc. To learn more about Utah's fire season and how to protect yourself and home, click here.

Health Impact of Poor Air Quality

Healthy People 2010 has a focus on environmental health, emphasizing in air quality. In the United States, air pollution is estimated to be associated with 50,000 premature deaths and an estimated $40 billion to $50 billion in health-related costs annually. Two indicators of air quality are ozone (outdoor) and environmental tobacco smoke (indoor). It is really interesting to me that these statistics are preventable through proper education and policy change. All it takes is enough people to realize that they can make a difference in their community.

The people most affected by poor air quality are older adults, young children and infants. The air quality may differ depending on geographic location as well as chemical makeup of the air. Ozone, Carbon Monoxide, Particle pollution, and Sulfur Dioxide are the main pollutants of concern that have a harmful impact on health. Many of the adverse health affects due to poor air quality are mostly complications with already existing health problems such as Asthma, Cardio Vascular Disease and lung and heart disease. To learn more about how each of these different pollutants effect health, click here.

Indoor Air Pollution

Utah Indoor Clean Air Act

The Utah Indoor Clean Air Act has been in effect since May 1, 2007, but it has recently had some changes made to it. As of January 1, 2009, all taverns and privately owned clubs have now been required to be smoke-free. This was made possible due to the efforts of the Utah Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. I think this is a great step towards improving the quality of indoor air. Not only is this a positive step for public health, it is also a great example of how advocacy, proper campaigning and mobilization of the community to see changes with policy. To learn more about The Utah Indoor Clean Air Act, click here. For information on all of the rules that the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act entails click on rules.