Ozone can also form from reactions of VOCs or carbon monoxide and NOx. Ozone can damage mucous tissues such as lung linings, as well as vegetation. Ozone is helpful to block UV radiation when at high above the ground in the stratosphere. Particulates can be emitted either directly (primary) from sources like exhaust gas, wood fires and fireworks, or can form in the atmosphere (secondary) from chemicals emitted from VOCs like fuel and household products (like paints), and gaseous vehicle emissions of NOx. PM 2.5 is the largest component of Utah's wintertime pollution. Particulates can also cross the blood–brain barrier and cause degenerative brain diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer's, mental illness, and reduced intelligence. Particulates can cross into the blood stream and cause irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and strokes. Particulates, especially smaller ones such as PM 2.5, can enter deep into the lungs to cause or worsen respiratory disease issues, and decrease lung function. School children in Utah have been kept inside during poor air quality events. To try and reduce negative health effects of outdoor air quality in Utah, at risk groups (including the young, the elderly, and those who exercise outdoors) are advised to stay indoors. PM 2.5 is usually the pollutant of concern in winters in Utah, and ozone is the pollutant of concern in summers. Two pollutant measurements of highest concern for health are PM 2.5 (or amount of fine particulates with diameters of 2.5 μm or less) of and ozone levels. Most hazardous mobile emissions are not as visible as in this picture. Mobile sources, including both gasoline and diesel vehicles, are one of the leading contributors to poor air quality in Utah. Pollutants, sources, and health concerns This diesel-powered truck emits an exhaust gas rich in black particulate matter when starting its engine. Less use of gas-powered snow blowers, fireworks, gas-powered lawnmowers, and materials with high volatile organic compound emissions such as certain paints can help keep air clean throughout the year. Emissions can be reduced by using gasoline and diesel vehicles less by more carpooling and taking public transit, less idling, use of newer vehicles (especially clean fuel vehicles), and combining trips. To improve air quality, especially during inversions, there are restrictions on burning wood fires with fines starting at $150 for first-time offenses in Salt Lake County. Pollution for inversions can begin to build-up even when the air is clear. A typical winter in Salt Lake City has about 6 multi-day inversions that lead to about 18 days of pollution above National Ambient Air Quality Standards. While inversions are a natural phenomenon, when coupled with community emissions from gasoline and diesel vehicles, wood fires, industry, and agriculture they can cause unnatural accumulations of hazardous pollutants (especially PM 2.5). Inversions and air quality Winter inversion in the Salt Lake Valley seen from Grandeur Peak.ĭue to the mountainous terrain and cold winters, inversions frequently occur in Utah and throughout the Intermountain West. For example, from 2015 to 2016 the state offered up to a $1500 credit for clean fuel vehicles However, in 2019 Utah began imposing an additional registration fee on clean fuel vehicles that will increase to $120 annually by 2021. Utah has had mixed responses to poor air quality. An MIT study estimated that over 450 deaths annually in Utah are due to poor air quality. Of the 12 counties with ozone data from 2014 to 2016, 7 received an "F" grade by the ALA, and 6 of 9 counties monitored received an "F" for particulate pollution. Logan was ranked the 11th worst city for short-term particle pollution. and 8th for worst short-term particle pollution, just after Los Angeles. In 2017 the American Lung Association (ALA) ranked Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem area as the 14th worst city for ozone air quality in the U.S. About 50% of air pollution in Salt Lake County is from vehicles. Homes heated with wood contribute about 3000 times the amount of pollution as homes heated with natural gas. Burning wood fuel for home heating can also contribute significantly to poor air quality. Poor air quality in Utah is due to the mountainous topography which can cause pollutants to build up near the surface (especially during inversions ) combined with the prevalence of emissions from gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, especially older models. Pollutants lead to low contrast near the base of the mountains.Īir quality in Utah is often some of the worst in the United States. Quality of air in Utah Winter inversion obscuring view of distant Provo Canyon.
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