SLC Air

The air in Salt Lake City, Utah is sickening. Literally. This winter has been especially bad. So much so, in fact, that the air pollution in Salt Lake City prompted this petition from Utah doctors. In their petition, the doctors offered various suggestions for improving the air quality: lowering highway speed limits, making mass transit free for the winter, curbing industrial activities, placing a permanent ban on wood-burning, and initiating a strong push for employers to allow their employees to work from home.

It may sound a bit extreme, but the doctors have every right to be concerned. The toxic air is creating many new health problems and worsening the health of those with respiratory issues. During these "red air" days, the doctors have been advising people to avoid the outdoors. It was also suggested that introducing anti-oxidants such as fish oil or chocolate into their diet may help the citizens of Salt Lake City to fight toxic exposure.




Why is the pollution so bad in Salt Lake City? To be honest, the pollution levels are comparable to other major cities in the United States. What makes Salt Lake City rather unique is its physical (geographic) structure. Salt Lake City is surrounded by mountains; think of the city as resting at the bottom of a large bowl. During the winter months, the cold temperatures keep the pollution from rising, forcing it to settle over the city in a hazy, filthy fog. Relief only comes when there is rain, snow, high winds, or some combination of the three.

Personally, I've also suffered from exposure to this toxic air. I've lived and traveled in many places, and I've never had any sort of respiratory ailments or issues. Since moving to Utah at the end of 2005, I've had bronchitis on numerous occasions. I've also had several bouts of pneumonia over the past four years. To top it all off, I was recently diagnosed with asthma, which seems to be triggered by the polluted air. Anywhere else, I'm perfectly fine; however, a few hours after returning to Salt Lake City on a "red air" day, my sinuses and chest are in agony.

If you're living in Utah and you'd like to check the air quality, or you're living anywhere else and you're just curious about air quality in various locations, you can check out Air NOW. For a site that is more specific to Utah, check out this website.