Doing what we can to lessen winter pollution.
No one needs to tell residents of the Wasatch Front that our air is polluted during the winter. We can literally see, smell and taste the evidence.
In the winter months, the Wasatch Front experiences acutely polluted and very unhealthy air. Winter brings the right meteorological conditions (cold temperatures, no breeze, snow on the ground) that cause our valleys to fill up with particulate matter and other pollution as it is trapped under a layer of warmer air.
During these times, the air along the Wasatch Front is among the most polluted in the entire country. 50% of this toxic pollution comes from automobiles. Fine particles such as those in soot and dust can become lodged in delicate lung tissue, decreasing lung function–a particularly hazardous situation for children, fetuses, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
(Click here for a current look at Salt Lake Visibility)
Make a Difference
You have the power to make a difference in our air quality.
During these times of poor air quality, one of the best things you can do is leave your vehicle parked and look for other ways to get around.
If you can’t leave your vehicle parked, make sure you’re driving smarter and taking other steps to reduce air pollution.
For more great ideas, check out this list of suggestions or take a quick survey to see which options best suit you.
What you can do:
Get notified about Air Quality so you will know when the air is deteriorating and be prepared to act accordingly
Create your own “Red Air Day Action Plan”–plan in advance so you can avoid all unnecessary driving
Ask your child’s school principal about their Red Air Exercise Reccomendations and make sure the guidelines are being used. See these suggestions for implementing the guidelines.
Don’t idle your car longer than ten seconds and set up an anti-idling program at your child’s school or your own place of work.
Links:
50 winter steps: http://www.cleanair.utah.gov/winter_steps.htm
Idle Free Utah: http://www.idlefree.utah.gov/idling_impacts.htm
Air Quality Alerts: http://www.cleanair.utah.gov/listserv.htm