How to Improve Summertime Air Quality

Courtesy of http://www.ucair.org

Many of us associate bad air– yucky inversions and hazy gunk– with winter in the Salt Lake area. But did you know that we have bad air days in the summer too?

While it’s mostly invisible, ozone is just as harmful as particulate matter for the very young, very old, those with health conditions, and people who exercise outdoors.

Ozone is caused by emissions from vehicles, industry, and a multitude of chemical products which interact with sunlight and high temperatures.

So how can we reduce ozone? 

Because pollution comes from many sources, and each of us contributes, we all have a role to play.

Here are some tips:

• Monitor air quality: The Utah Division of Air Quality monitors the air every day. Make sure to exercise outdoors in the morning rather than later in the day and take other precautions if you’re sensitive to air pollution.
• Travelwise: Skip the trip, carpool, take transit, or bike or walk instead of driving your car.
• Use electric lawn equipment: A gas-powered mower can emit as much pollution as a car traveling 169 miles!
• Upgrade your gas can to an EPA-approved model. This will reduce VOC’s and harmful fumes. Look for “spill-proof” on the label.
• Don’t Idle: It’s hot, but running the car when you’re not traveling is bad for our air and health.
• Use water-based paints: You’ll reduce the VOC’s which cause ozone.
• Use EPA-certified “Safer Choice” products— this includes everything from hairsprays to carpet cleaners– to benefit air quality and environmental health.

Want more info? Check out UCAIR’s video.

Thank you for helping #ClearTheAir this summer!