Air quality in Utah is often some of the worst in the United States. [1] [2] Poor air quality in Utah is due to the mountainous topography which can cause pollutants to build up near the surface (especially during inversions [2] ) combined with the prevalence of emissions from gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, especially older models. [3] [4] Burning wood fuel for home heating can also contribute significantly to poor air quality. Homes heated with wood contribute about 3000 times the amount of pollution as homes heated with natural gas. [4] About 50% of air pollution in Salt Lake County is from vehicles. [5]
In 2024 the American Lung Association (ALA) ranked Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem area as the 9th worst city for ozone air quality in the U.S. and 19th for worst short-term particle pollution. Logan was ranked the 21st worst city for short-term particle pollution. Of the 14 counties with ozone data from 2020 to 2022, 6 received an "F" grade by the ALA, and 6 of 10 counties monitored received an "F" for particulate pollution. [6] An MIT study estimated that over 450 deaths annually in Utah are due to poor air quality. [7]
Utah has had mixed responses to poor air quality. For example, from 2015 to 2016 the state offered up to a $1500 credit for clean fuel vehicles [8] However, in 2019 Utah began imposing an additional registration fee on clean fuel vehicles that will increase to $120 annually by 2021. [9]
Due to the mountainous terrain and cold winters, inversions frequently occur in Utah and throughout the Intermountain West. 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 PM2.5). [10] [11] [12] 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. [11] [12] Pollution for inversions can begin to build-up even when the air is clear. [10]
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. [13] 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. [13] [14] 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.
Two pollutant measurements of highest concern for health are PM2.5 (or amount of fine particulates with diameters of 2.5 μm or less) of and ozone levels. PM2.5 is usually the pollutant of concern in winters in Utah, and ozone is the pollutant of concern in summers. [15] 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) [16] are advised to stay indoors. School children in Utah have been kept inside during poor air quality events. [17]
Particulates, especially smaller ones such as PM2.5, can enter deep into the lungs to cause or worsen respiratory disease issues, and decrease lung function. Particulates can cross into the blood stream and cause irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and strokes. [18] Particulates can also cross the blood–brain barrier and cause degenerative brain diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer's, mental illness, and reduced intelligence. [19] [20] PM2.5 is the largest component of Utah's wintertime pollution. [15] [21] 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. [15]
Ozone is helpful to block UV radiation when at high above the ground in the stratosphere. Ozone can damage mucous tissues such as lung linings, as well as vegetation. [15] Ozone can also form from reactions of VOCs or carbon monoxide and NOx. Exposure to higher levels of ozone during pregnancy has been linked with an increased risk of stillbirth, infant mortality, and brain disorders. [22]
PM2.5 and ozone levels are converted from scientific units (like μg m−3) to air quality index levels. The maximum AQI across a variety of pollutants is often what gets reported. The Utah DEQ publishes AQI levels. [23] Levels are aggregated into groups including "Good," "Moderate" (health concern for particularly sensitive people), "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" (including children, the elderly, and those with existing cardiovascular problems), with higher levels of "Unhealthy", "Very Unhealthy", and "Hazardous" affecting everyone. [16] [24] AQI can be delayed by up to a day compared to current conditions.
A Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment study estimated 1,000–2,000 deaths in Utah annually due to poor air quality. [25] An MIT study estimated 200,000 premature deaths occur in the U.S. each year as a result of poor air quality, with the most significant contribution from vehicles. [26] The study estimated 461 premature deaths in Utah annually due to high levels of ozone and particulate matter, with vehicle emissions leading to 147 of the deaths annually. [7] By comparison there were 273 deaths due to motor vehicle crashes in Utah in 2017. [27]
About 200 Utahans go to the hospital with severe pneumonia due to particulate pollution each year. [28] Emergency room respiratory-related visits in Salt Lake City increased by 40% during pollution episodes in 2014. [29]
Electric gen | Industry | Comm/Res | Road | Marine | Rail | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pollutant | NM | MR | NM | MR | NM | MR | NM | MR | NM | MR | NM | MR |
PM2.5 | 58 | 2.6 | 88 | 3.9 | 107 | 4.8 | 145 | 6.5 | 6 | 0.3 | 10 | 0.5 |
Ozone | 9 | 0.42 | 6 | 0.27 | 1 | 0.06 | 27 | 1.21 | 1 | 0.05 | 3 | 0.13 |
Wildfires from within the state, the Pacific Northwest, California, Idaho, Nevada, and even Arizona can drastically reduce air quality.
In August 2020 smoke drifted in from California fires which caused PM2.5 levels to exceed 90 mg m−3 in Cache County, Utah, over 2.5 as high as the federal threshold level of 35 mg m−3. [30] Researchers were concerned the poor air quality would worsen symptoms from COVID-19. Air quality in southern Utah was negatively affected by Veyo West and Turkey Farm Road Fires in Washington County as well as fires in Nevada. [31] Smoke from the Bush and Magnum fires in Arizona blew up into Utah in June 2020. [32]
In July 2021 high episodes of pollution were caused from the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon, and the Beckwourth Complex Fire in northern California. [33] [34] In Salt Lake County pollution levels reached the 'unhealthy category' and even the normally healthy population was at risk for negative health impacts. [35] On August 6 in Salt Lake City smoke originating from the Dixie Fire and other fires in west coast states caused the PM2.5 level to spike to over 100 mg m−3, more than 3 times the federal standard. The area temporarily had the worst air quality in the world. [36] [37]
The Great Salt Lake has been shrinking, exposing more dried lake bed. [38] [39] Researchers are concerned about particulates and arsenic blowing off the lake into urban areas.
Various organizations monitor the air quality in Utah. The Utah Division of Air Quality has been monitoring air quality indicators since 1999 with the Utah Air Monitoring Network. [40] University of Utah scientists have installed monitors on Trax cars on the Red and Green lines in 2015. [41] [42] Though not unique to Utah, Purple Air monitoring network provides particulate levels in real time. [43] Unlike other networks, Purple Air sensors can be purchased and installed by anyone.
Measurement campaigns focused on Utah air quality have brought in international researchers. In 2017 the Utah Winter Fine Particulate Study (UWFPS) involved intensive studies from the air and ground of particulates and their formation in northern Utah basins in winter. [44] Researchers were from NOAA ESRL, the Utah Division of Air Quality, the University of Utah, University of Toronto, University of Washington, and USDA.
Some of the most recognized globally recognized epidemiological studies of air quality on human health have been performed in Utah. BYU professor Arden Pope has been researching health and air quality for over 30 years. [45] Pope's research began by using changes in emissions from the Geneva Steel plant in Utah Valley in a natural experiment. Pope noted an "astonishing" difference in admissions for pediatric respiratory hospital admissions when the plant was not operating. A 2016 study linked poor air quality with blood vessel damage in BYU students. [46] An analysis by the Salt Lake Tribune noted increased school absences along the Wasatch Front during air pollution episodes in Utah, though additional research is needed to determine whether or not absences were due to other coinciding incidents. [47] Life expectancy increased by about 3 years from 1980 to 2000 and 5 months of that were attributed to better air quality by Pope. [48]
Legislation in Utah in response to poor air quality has been mixed, with some laws and ordinances expected to help, and others expected to worsen air quality. The Governor's FY 2020 budget by Gary Herbert recommended $100 million for air quality improvements. [49] Only $29 million was spent on air quality initiatives, but it was more than the typical $2 million. [22] [50]
Previously a credit up to $1500 was offered for purchasing clean air vehicles. [8] However, in 2018 SB136 [51] was controversially signed into law by Gary Herbert. The law, which was sponsored by Wayne Harper and Mike Schultz, implements an additional annual registration fee of up to $120 on clean air vehicles by the year 2020. [9] The additional fees were opposed by air quality advocates such as the nonprofits Breathe Utah, and Utah Clean Energy which has stated the fees are misguided. [52] [53] [54] Clean air advocates have voiced concerns that the additional fees will slow electric vehicle adoption in Utah and promote poorer air quality. Gasoline vehicles are the main source of pollution in Utah. [10] [55] In 2022 HB 186 sponsored by Harper and Raymond Ward was signed into law by Spencer Cox which will further increase electric vehicle fees to $240 by 2032. [56]
On January 1, 2017 most oil refineries in the U.S. were required to start meeting Environmental Protection Agency rules for Tier 3 fuels which would reduce NOX, VOC, and sulfur emissions. [57] Due to their smaller size, the five refineries in Utah were exempt from the EPA requirement, and the state of Utah allowed the exemption. The Silver Eagle refinery voluntarily met the requirement in 2018, and Andeavor and Chevron voluntarily committed to meet the standard by January 1, 2020. [22] [57] Holly and Big West (a subsidiary of FJ Management) have not made commitments to meet the standard early. Utah lawmakers passed tax breaks of $2M per year for the refineries to meet the requirements early. [58]
Utah has been opposed to allowing California to set higher standards for fuel efficiency and for reduced emissions for higher standards of air quality than the federal government. [59] Utah legislators Stephen Handy and Suzanne Harrison have spoken out against the rollback of fuel standards by the Trump administration, citing negative effects of air pollution in Utah on health. Utah senator Mitt Romney has voiced support for greater efficiency standards without supporting the higher standards set by California. In 2019 he voiced support for continued use of all energy sources including higher polluting sources such as burning coal. [60]
Anti-idling ordinances were passed in Salt Lake City in 2011 with fines of up to $210 for idling for more than 2 minutes. [61] As of 2018, seventy-one cities encouraged idle-free behavior. [62] The laws have led to few citations, but supporters celebrate them for making idling gasoline and diesel vehicles socially unacceptable. [63]
The Utah Indoor Clean Air Act is a statewide smoking ban, that prohibits smoking in many public places. [64]
Smog, or smoke fog, is a type of intense air pollution. The word "smog" was coined in the early 20th century, and is a portmanteau of the words smoke and fog to refer to smoky fog due to its opacity, and odor. The word was then intended to refer to what was sometimes known as pea soup fog, a familiar and serious problem in London from the 19th century to the mid-20th century, where it was commonly known as a London particular or London fog. This kind of visible air pollution is composed of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxide, ozone, smoke and other particulates. Man-made smog is derived from coal combustion emissions, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, forest and agricultural fires and photochemical reactions of these emissions.
Exhaust gas or flue gas is emitted as a result of the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, gasoline (petrol), diesel fuel, fuel oil, biodiesel blends, or coal. According to the type of engine, it is discharged into the atmosphere through an exhaust pipe, flue gas stack, or propelling nozzle. It often disperses downwind in a pattern called an exhaust plume.
Air pollution is a concern in British Columbia, Canada because of its effects on health and visibility. Air quality is influenced in British Columbia(BC) by numerous mountain ranges and valleys, which complicate atmospheric pollution dispersion and can lead to high concentrations of pollutants such as particulate matter from wood smoke.
An air quality index (AQI) is an indicator developed by government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. As air pollution levels rise, so does the AQI, along with the associated public health risk. Children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular problems are typically the first groups affected by poor air quality. When the AQI is high, governmental bodies generally encourage people to reduce physical activity outdoors, or even avoid going out altogether. When wildfires result in a high AQI, the use of a mask outdoors and an air purifier indoors are also encouraged.
Air pollution is the contamination of air due to the presence of substances called pollutants in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials. It is also the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment either by chemical, physical, or biological agents that alters the natural features of the atmosphere. There are many different types of air pollutants, such as gases, particulates and biological molecules. Air pollution can cause diseases, allergies, and even death to humans; it can also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and crops, and may damage the natural environment or built environment. Air pollution can be caused by both human activities and natural phenomena.
United States vehicle emission standards are set through a combination of legislative mandates enacted by Congress through Clean Air Act (CAA) amendments from 1970 onwards, and executive regulations managed nationally by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and more recently along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These standards cover tailpipe pollution, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate emissions, and newer versions have incorporated fuel economy standards. However they lag behind European emission standards, which limit air pollution from brakes and tires.
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials into the atmosphere that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damage ecosystems. Health problems attributed to air pollution include premature death, cancer, organ failure, infections, behavioral changes, and other diseases. These health effects are not equally distributed across the U.S. population; there are demographic disparities by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education. Air pollution can derive from natural sources, such as wildfires and volcanoes, or from anthropogenic sources. Anthropogenic air pollution has affected the United States since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
The Clean Air Act (CAA) is the United States' primary federal air quality law, intended to reduce and control air pollution nationwide. Initially enacted in 1963 and amended many times since, it is one of the United States' first and most influential modern environmental laws.
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Clean Air Network is an independent non-governmental organisation exclusively focused on the issue of air pollution in Hong Kong. CAN aims to educate the public about the health impacts of air pollution and to mobilise public support for cleaner air in Hong Kong.
Air quality laws govern the emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere. A specialized subset of air quality laws regulate the quality of air inside buildings. Air quality laws are often designed specifically to protect human health by limiting or eliminating airborne pollutant concentrations. Other initiatives are designed to address broader ecological problems, such as limitations on chemicals that affect the ozone layer, and emissions trading programs to address acid rain or climate change. Regulatory efforts include identifying and categorising air pollutants, setting limits on acceptable emissions levels, and dictating necessary or appropriate mitigation technologies.
Air Pollution in Mexico City has been of concern to the city's population and health officials for decades. In the 20th century, Mexico City's population rapidly increased as industrialization brought thousands of migrants from all over the world. Such a rapid and unexpected growth led to the UN declaring Mexico City as the most polluted city in the world in 1992. This was partly due to Mexico City's high altitude, which causes its oxygen levels to be 25% lower. Carbon-based fuels also do not combust completely. Other factors include the proliferation of vehicles, rapid industrial growth, and the population boom. The Mexican government has several active plans to reduce emission levels which require citizen participation, vehicular restrictions, increase of green areas, and expanded bicycle accessibility.
Air pollution is the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the Earth. In Canada, air pollution is regulated by standards set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), an inter-governmental body of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for the environment. Air pollution from the United States and to lesser extent Canada; caused by metal smelting, coal-burning for utilities, and vehicle emissions has resulted in acid rain, has severely impacted Canadian waterways, forest growth, and agricultural productivity.
Particulates or atmospheric particulate matter are microscopic particles of solid or liquid matter suspended in the air. The term aerosol refers to the particulate/air mixture, as opposed to the particulate matter alone, though it is sometimes defined as a subset of aerosol terminology. Sources of particulate matter can be natural or anthropogenic. They have impacts on climate and precipitation that adversely affect human health, in ways additional to direct inhalation.
Mike Schultz is an American politician from Utah. He is a Republican member of the Utah State House, representing the state's 12th house district. He currently serves as the Speaker of the House, a position he has held since November 15, 2023 when his predecessor in that office, Brad Wilson resigned. He previously served as majority leader, succeeding Francis Gibson.
Air pollution in India is a serious environmental issue. Of the 30 most polluted cities in the world, 21 were in India in 2019. As per a study based on 2016 data, at least 140 million people in India breathe air that is 10 times or more over the WHO safe limit and 13 of the world's 20 cities with the highest annual levels of air pollution are in India. 51% of the pollution is caused by industrial pollution, 27% by vehicles, 17% by crop burning and 5% by other sources. Air pollution contributes to the premature deaths of 2 million Indians every year. Emissions come from vehicles and industry, whereas in rural areas, much of the pollution stems from biomass burning for cooking and keeping warm. In autumn and spring months, large scale crop residue burning in agriculture fields – a cheaper alternative to mechanical tilling – is a major source of smoke, smog and particulate pollution. India has a low per capita emissions of greenhouse gases but the country as a whole is the third largest greenhouse gas producer after China and the United States. A 2013 study on non-smokers has found that Indians have 30% weaker lung function than Europeans.
Wayne A. Harper is an American politician and a Republican member of the Utah State Senate representing District 16 since 2023. Prior to redistricting he represented District 6 starting in 2013. Harper served in the Utah House of Representatives from January 1, 1997, until December 31, 2012, in the District 43 seat.
Rolling coal is the practice of modifying a diesel engine to deliberately emit large amounts of black or grey diesel exhaust, containing soot and incompletely combusted diesel. Rolling coal is used as a form of anti-environmentalism protest. In most jurisdictions it is illegal, due to violating clean air laws, and also reduces the fuel economy of the vehicle.
The air quality in Delhi, the capital territory of India, according to a WHO survey of 1,650 world cities, and a survey of 7,000 world cities by the US-based Health Effects Institute in August 2022, is the worst of any major city in the world. It also affects the districts around Delhi. Air pollution in India is estimated to kill about 2 million people every year; it is the fifth largest killer in India. India has the world's highest death rate from chronic respiratory diseases and asthma, according to the WHO. In Delhi, poor quality air irreversibly damages the lungs of 2.2 million or 50 percent of all children.
Particulate pollution is pollution of an environment that consists of particles suspended in some medium. There are three primary forms: atmospheric particulate matter, marine debris, and space debris. Some particles are released directly from a specific source, while others form in chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Particulate pollution can be derived from either natural sources or anthropogenic processes.
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(help)When Utahns are taking personal steps to improve air quality by purchasing a clean vehicle, tacking on another fee is misguided.