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.
Photo Credit: Tom Smart, Desert Morning NewsDuring 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:
Links:
50 winter steps:
http://www.cleanair.utah.gov/winter_steps.htmIdle Free Utah:
http://www.idlefree.utah.gov/idling_impacts.htmAir Quality Alerts:
http://www.cleanair.utah.gov/listserv.htm
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