Air Pollution Lexi Spencer Period 4

Issue Air pollution is a big problem in Utah and is causing more health problems.

Governing entity Utah Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Bryce Bird – Director

Research The six major air pollutants that cause health effects are: ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, and microscopic particles. In the 1990s, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah Counties failed to attain the NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) for ozone particles, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. Air monitoring stations collect representative data that indicates how much of a pollutant is in the air. Air pollution concentrations are a function of meteorology and emissions. While meteorology cannot be controlled, emissions can be controlled and is the focus of air quality control strategies for automobiles and industrial facilities.

Research When you breathe in gases like carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide, the cells that line the airways to the lungs absorb them. These gases can pass into the bloodstream and travel into your internal organs, causing damage. Large particles in the air are filtered out by small hairs that line your respiratory tract. However smaller particles reach your airways and lungs. Effects of air pollution differ between people. Long exposure or a higher dose can lead to serious illness and in some cases death.

Facts on Air pollution Medical research in the last ten years indicates air pollution is a more serious public health problem than previously thought. Salt Lake, Provo, and Logan consistently rank in the top ten U.S. cities for worst spikes in air pollution. 4-8% of all deaths are attributable to air pollution (about 1000 premature death along the Wasatch Front annually). Air pollution increases the incidence of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), low birth weight syndrome, premature birth, and infant mortality. Air pollution increases the incidence of the most common forms of childhood cancers, especially leukemia.

Call to action Reduce the amount of pollution you put out everyday by using public transportation, or by figuring out other ways to reduce pollution like by conserving energy.

Bibliography "Air Pollutants." Utah Department of Environmental Quality. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2017. <https://deq.utah.gov/Pollutants/A/airpollutants/index.htm>. "Facts about Utah's Air." Utah Moms for clean Air. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2017. <http://blog.utahmomsforcleanair.org/air-pollution-facts/>. "What Are the Health Effects of Air Pollution?" University of Rochester Medical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2017. <https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid= 1&contentid=3066>. "What Can I Do to Help Reduce Air Pollution?" New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2017. <https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/air/tsb/ams/aqmdp/share. htm>.