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.

Spring Cleaning, sort of...

Utah air quality benefits from the arrival of spring. As the colder temperatures from winter subside, the tendency for an inversion to settle in over Salt Lake and Utah counties decrease. This is the benefit of spring, however, the downside to spring is the increased pollen counts in the air. While this isn't necessarily polluting the air and directly polluting the environment, I would still consider it a pollutant because it can be damaging to people with allergies who breathe it in. To learn about the daily pollen count for where you live see Pollen. I don't mean to give pollen a bad name. There is nothing we can do to reduce the pollen counts where we live. Pollen is necessary for the reproduction of plants and flowers which are an important part of our world. To learn more about pollen click here.

Dangers of Idling

A few days ago I went to the drive up window at the bank. While I waited for the teller to process my deposit I saw a sticker on their window which suggested that customers in their cars who would be waiting longer than 10 seconds, should turn their cars off rather than let it idle. Not only will they save on gas, they will be reducing emissions and taking an active role in preserving the air quality of Utah.
Vehicle exhaust is one of the leading sources of air pollution in Utah. Idling vehicles release higher concentrated exhaust than when in motion. Because passengers of idling vehicles are not moving, they are at higher exposure to the exhaust as it is able to enter the cabin. The nice thing about this problem is that it is 100% preventable. For more information, visit Clean Air Utah and Environment Defense Fund.