Air Pollution and Public Health in Utah
Air Quality Conditions
Health Recommendations | Action Forecast Levels | Air Quality Index
- Use the drop-down menus to select the area closest to you.
- Match the colors with the table below to determine current conditions and recommendations to protect your health.
- Explore the menu on the left to learn more!
| Air Quality Conditions | Who Should be Concerned | Health Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
|
Good PM2.5:0 - 12 µg/m3 Ozone:0 - 0.054 ppm |
Air quality is considered satisfactory. It's a great day to be active outside! | |
|
Moderate PM2.5:12.1 - 35.4 µg/m3 Ozone:0.055 - 0.070 ppm |
Some otherwise healthy people who may be unusually sensitive to PM2.5 or ozone |
Unusually sensitive people: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier. Everyone else: It's a good day to be active outside. |
|
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups PM2.5:35.5 - 55.4 µg/m3 Ozone:0.071 - 0.085 ppm |
Sensitive groups, including: People with heart or lung disease Children Older adults People who are active outdoors |
Sensitive groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. If ozone levels are high, schedule outdoor activities for the morning or evening when ozone is lower. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine on-hand. People with heart disease: Symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. Contact your health care provider. |
|
Unhealthy PM2.5:55.5 - 150.4 µg/m3 Ozone:0.086 - 0.105 ppm |
Everyone |
Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling. People with asthma should keep quick-relief medicine on-hand. Everyone else: Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Take more breaks and do less intense activities. If ozone levels are high, schedule outdoor activities for the morning or evening when ozone is lower. |
|
Very Unhealthy PM2.5:150.5 - 250.4 µg/m3 Ozone:0.106 - 0.200 ppm |
Everyone |
Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when air quality is better. People with asthma should keep quick-relief medicine on-hand. Everyone else: Avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling. |
|
Hazardous PM2.5:Above 250.4 µg/m3 Ozone:Above 0.201 ppm |
Everyone |
Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors. Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. |
µg/m3: micrograms per cubic meter of air
ppm: parts per million
Unrestricted Action
Solid fuel burning devices may be used, including wood and coal burning stoves and fireplaces. Visible emissions must meet air quality regulations (see Utah Rule R307-302-5)
Voluntary Action
You are asked to voluntarily not use solid fuel burning devices, including wood and coal burning stoves and fireplaces; reduce or stop open burning; and TravelWise by consolidating trips. Industry should optimize operations to minimize air polluting emissions.
Mandatory Action
Solid fuel burning devices must not be used, including wood and coal burning stoves and fireplaces. Open burning may not occur, including fire pits, fire rings, and campfires. TravelWise by consolidating trips. Industry should optimize operations to minimize air polluting emissions.
Unrestricted Action
No restrictions, but visible emissions from solid fuel burning devices must meet air quality regulations (see Utah Rule R307-302-5). You are encouraged to limit emissions and choose cleaner transportation options.
Voluntary Action
You are asked to voluntarily TravelWise by consolidating trips and choosing cleaner transportation options. Limit releases of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as these contribute to ozone formation (learn about common household sources of VOCs).
Mandatory Action
Employers should activate mandatory trip reduction programs. You are asked to voluntarily TravelWise by consolidating trips and choosing cleaner transportation options. Limit releases of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as these contribute to ozone formation (learn about common household sources of VOCs).
The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality developed by the EPA. It is separately calculated for four major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ozone, particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The highest among all four of these AQI numbers calculated in an area is reported as the AQI value for that day.
In Utah, air quality is typically reported using the actual pollutant concentrations and reflects levels of ozone or particulate matter. Typically, when one of these air pollutants is high, the other is low. For example, PM pollution is typically highest in the winter, which is when ozone pollution is usually lowest. There are occasions when both may be high (e.g., high summertime ozone and simultaneous high PM caused by wildfires). During these kinds of conditions, the likelihood of experiencing symptoms may be higher than indicated by these charts.
The AQI was developed using available scientific knowledge on average adverse health effects after acute exposure among a population. Individuals may be more or less sensitive. Base your interpretation of the current air quality conditions on your personal experience and history of symptoms under past similar air quality conditions.
