Factors contributing to Utah’s air quality

September 9th, 10th, and 11th were the smokiest days in September this year in Utah. Due to the Moose wildfire in Idaho and the Owl wildfire in California, Utah has had a hard time keeping our air decently clean. Using air monitors, like Purple Air, people are able to keep a good measurement on the air quality in different areas, throughout the world. Many websites can give the wrong idea, or give false information, like the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Their website can be hard to follow; the way they exhibit their information can be misleading. People have to be careful when reading the data, each provider can measure the air quality differently. With the air quality this year being bad, Utah is doing much better than last year, when it had the worst air on the planet. The smoke and particles in the air can cause health problems. Like the Utah Department of Environmental Quality states, ”Smoke from wild fires could cause high concentrations of particulates. If smoke becomes thick, persons with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity.” Staying inside and/or wearing a mask is always a good precaution. Being aware of each individual’s part in the air pollution can play a big part in how they cut back or try to be more cautious. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your air pollution contribution: carpool/reduce car trips, reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use, don’t burn your discards, and avoid gas powered equipment.