AirQuaPM Utah, UT, pollution, air, air quality, particulates, particulate matter, PM, PM 2.5, PM2.5, asthma, heart attack, climate change, inversion, winter, summer AirQuaPM.Met_Not Particulate matter that measures 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less is often called PM2.5. Particulate matter 10 (PM10) measures one-seventh the width of a strand of human hair, so one can imagine just how small PM2.5 really is. PM2.5 is composed of metals, allergens, nitrates, sulfates, organic chemicals, soil, and dust that are emitted from sources such as combustion products, soot from fireplaces, and blowing dust from construction sites and agricultural activities. PM2.5 levels are generally higher during the winter months due to weather, temperature, and inversions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PM2.5 standard states that daily averaged PM2.5 levels should not exceed 35 micrograms per cubic meter, while annually averaged PM2.5 levels should not exceed 12 micrograms per cubic meter^1^.[[br]] [[br]] This indicator report contains the following views: # Percent of days above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) # Number of person-days above the NAAQS # Average annual ambient concentrations of PM2.5 # Percent of population living in counties exceeding NAAQS Where applicable, population based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates for July 1 of each year. Data on PM2.5 levels are only available where air monitors exist and when they are used. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have scientifically determined where in Utah PM2.5 is likely to exceed the standard. Geographies reported will vary based on measurement type. Data for this report represent ambient air, or outside air quality. The relationship between ambient concentrations and personal exposure can vary significantly depending upon the pollutant, activity patterns, and micro-environments. Data for this report came from the EPA; therefore, it may differ slightly from data to other sources. One reason for a possible difference is that this data includes [https://deq.utah.gov/air-quality/exceptional-events-program exceptional events], which includes air pollution generated from fireworks, construction, fires, and other sources. 10/31/2022 PM2.5 can get deep inside the lungs and cause a variety of symptoms, such as painful breathing, chest tightness, headache, and coughing. PM2.5 can exacerbate respiratory infections, trigger asthma attacks and symptoms, and cause temporary reductions in lung capacity. Respiratory symptoms are more likely to occur when PM2.5 levels exceed the EPA standard, but are possible when PM2.5 levels are below the standard, especially in sensitive populations. PM2.5 has been found to be associated with an increased risk of chronic lung disease^2^. In addition to these adverse outcomes, PM2.5 can influence the environment in ways that will eventually affect human health. Fine particles cause haze which reduces visibility. The long-term effects of PM2.5, which settles in the soil, natural water sources, forests, and agricultural areas, are still to be determined. Whether or not climate change has an effect on PM2.5 concentration has yet to be determined. However, as temperatures increase, PM2.5 concentration has been shown to increase in the United States, but this is not the general consensus of the scientific community. Researchers seem to agree that as precipitation increases, PM2.5 levels will decrease since it "clears" the air^3^. If precipitation events are seen to increase with climate change, it is reasonable to conclude that PM2.5 levels may decrease. PM2.5 concentrations could also be affected by air stagnation events (i.e., inversions). If air stagnation events increase in frequency with climate change, PM2.5 levels are likely to rise because these events trap the pollution at the Earth's surface^3^. More research is needed to accurately quantify to what extent PM2.5 levels will be affected by a changing climate.[[br]] [[br]] Physical exercise is essential to maintaining good health. In order to do this safely, refer to daily PM2.5 levels by checking them at [https://air.utah.gov/]. If PM2.5 levels are high, consider exercising indoors. If outdoor exercise is unavoidable during high PM2.5 levels, consider light to moderate activity such as walking. Several of the most urban counties in Utah have days that do not comply with the PM2.5 standard. This may be due in part to the unique geography and seasonal conditions in Utah. PM2.5 levels increase seasonally in the winter and often due to inversions. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is working to decrease the number of days over the PM2.5 standard. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is working to decrease PM2.5 emissions to comply with national standards. Because the majority of particulate matter is caused by automobile emissions, DEQ encourages the public to use mass transit and to stay indoors on days with high pollution levels, which you can check at [http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair]. In addition, DEQ has studied the effects of high particulate matter levels on children playing outside at recess so that schools may make informed decisions about when to keep children indoors. The DEQ 3-day air quality forecasting program uses a red, yellow, and green stoplight color code to inform the public about how they can help keep pollution levels low. A green day informs the public that pollution levels are low, and they can safely drive and spend time outside. A yellow day suggests citizens consider limiting their driving to reduce pollution levels. A red day strongly encourages the public to reduce driving and other polluting activities to prevent pollution levels from exceeding the health standard. Ultimately, air quality in Utah depends on each individual taking steps to reduce the amount of energy being used and pollution being emitted. The [http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/ Air Quality and Public Health in Utah] web page provides a wide range of air quality-related topics. These topics include *[http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/AQI/ Air Quality Index] *[http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/pollutants/ Information about specific air pollutants] *Health effects from air pollution **[http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/birthoutcomes/ Adverse birth outcomes] **[http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/respiratory/#Asthma Asthma] **[http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/respiratory/#COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] **[http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/CAD/ Heart disease and heart attacks] '''Air Quality and Public Health in Utah'''[[br]] This Utah Department of Health Website provides information on particulate matter, its sources, ways to reduce exposure, and trend data.[[br]] [http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/pollutants/PM/] '''AirNow'''[[br]] This U.S. Government website provides information on air quality from a collaboration of different agencies.[[br]] [http://www.airnow.gov] '''Choose Clean Air Utah'''[[br]] This Utah Department of Environmental Quality website provides information about air pollution in Utah and information on how to make healthy choices.[[br]] [https://air.utah.gov/] '''Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'''[[br]] These EPA web pages provide information about particulate matter (PM), adverse health effects, research, and regulations.[[br]] [https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics] '''Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'''[[br]] These CDC websites provide information about specific air pollutants and the way it can harm human health.[[br]] *[http://www.cdc.gov/air/pollutants.htm Air Pollutants] *[http://www.cdc.gov/air/ Air Quality][[br]] [[br]] Citations:[[br]] # Environmental Protection Agency (2016). National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Retrieved November 18, 2016 from the EPA: [https://www.epa.gov/criteria-air-pollutants/naaqs-table]. # Utah Department of Health (2019). Particulate Matter (PM): Health Effects - Air Pollution and Public Health in Utah. Retrieved November 14, 2019 from [http://www.health.utah.gov/utahair/pollutants/PM/index.html#Health]. # Jacob DJ & Winner DA. (2009) Effect of climate change on air quality. Atmospheric Environment 43(1), 51-63. ELS_Env chrisnelson@utah.gov A 11/01/2022 Detail modified by: jauld@utah.gov, 10/29/2021 Data is taken from the EPA data download center. This data set includes exceptional events. 3 x 11/01/2022 Status changed by: vlund@utah.gov 11/01/2022 PopChar AirQuaOzo AirQuaOzo.Yr AsthAdltPrev AsthAdltPrev.UT_US AsthChiPrev AsthChiPrev.Age_Sex CliChaExtWea CliChaExtWea.FloCos CliChaGreGas CliChaGreGas.All Radon Radon.Map SystemFactors AsthMan AsthMan.Plan_Age_Sex HealthStatus AsthED AsthED.AgeAll AsthHosp AsthHosp.AgeHigh HeaAttHosp HeaAttHosp.NumYr AirQuaPM.Met_Not Percent of Population Living in Counties Meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standard, Utah, 2000-2021 Percent of Population AirQuaPM.Pct_BoxE Percent of Days by Year, Box Elder County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_Cache Percent of Days by Year, Cache County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.NWeber Percent of Days by Year, Carbon County, 2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_Davis Percent of Days by Year, Davis County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_Duchesne Percent of Days by Year, Duchesne County, 2011-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_Gar Percent of Days by Year, Garfield County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Layton Percent of Days by Year, Iron County, 2018-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_SLCnty Percent of Days by Year, Salt Lake County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_SanJuan Percent of Days by Year, San Juan County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_Tooele Percent of Days by Year, Tooele County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_Uintah Percent of Days by Year, Uintah County, 2010-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_UtahCo Percent of Days by Year, Utah County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_WashCo Percent of Days by Year, Washington County, 2001-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_Wayne Percent of Days by Year, Wayne County, 2001-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.Pct_Weber Percent of Days by Year, Weber County, 2000-2021 Percent of Days Sampled Over NAAQS AirQuaPM.PD_BoxE Person-days by Year, Box Elder County, 2001-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_Cache Person-days by Year, Cache County, 2000-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.ESLCo Person-days by Year, Carbon County, 2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_Davis Person-days by Year, Davis County, 2000-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_Duchesne Person-days by Year, Duchesne County, 2011-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_Gar Person-days by Year, Garfield County, 2000-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.Bntfl Person-days by Year, Iron County, 2018-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_SLCnty Person-days by Year, Salt Lake County, 2000-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_SanJuan Person-days by Year, San Juan County, 2000-2021 Number of Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_Tooele Person-days by Year, Tooele County, 2000-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_Uintah Person-days by Year, Uintah County, 2010-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_UtahCo Person-days by Year, Utah County, 2000-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_WashCo Person-days by Year, Washington County, 2001-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_Wayne Person-days by Year, Wayne County, 2001-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.PD_Weber Person-days by Year, Weber County, 2000-2021 Person-days AirQuaPM.Avg_BoxE Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Box Elder County, 2001-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_Cache Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Cache County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.NUtahCo Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Carbon County, 2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_Davis Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Davis County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_Duchesne Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Duchesne County, 2011-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_Gar Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Garfield County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Magna Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Iron County, 2018-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_SLCnty Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Salt Lake County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_SanJuan Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), San Juan County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_Tooele Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Tooele County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_Uintah Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Uintah County, 2010-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_UtahCo Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Utah County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_WashCo Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Washington County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_Wayne Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Wayne County, 2001-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.Avg_Weber Average Ambient Concentrations (based on seasonal averages and daily measurement), Weber County, 2000-2021 Average Ambient Concentration (mcg/cubic meter) AirQuaPM.BoxE Levels Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Box Elder County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.Cache Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Cache County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.SoUtahCo Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Carbon County, 2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.Davis Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Davis County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.Duchesne Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Duchesne County, 2011-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.Gar Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Garfield County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQualPM.Hld Number of Days by Year, Iron County, 2018-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.SLCnty Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Salt Lake County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.SanJuan Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, San Juan County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.Tooele Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Tooele County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.Uintah Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Uintah County, 2010-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.UtahCo Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Utah County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.WashCo Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Washington County, 2001-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.Wayne Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Wayne County, 2001-2021 Number of Days Exceeded AirQuaPM.Weber Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Number of Days by Year, Weber County, 2000-2021 Number of Days Exceeded