The Utah Departments of Health (UDOH) and Environmental
Quality (DEQ) have developed resources and recommendations to help Utahns
protect their health during ozone season. Ozone is created by the sun’s heat
and light acting on gases and pollution in the atmosphere.
Ozone levels are often difficult to predict, but are typically highest during hot afternoon hours. Ozone is created by the sun’s heat and light acting on gases and pollution in the atmosphere. Ozone levels are often difficult to predict, but are typically highest during hot afternoon hours.
Ozone levels are often difficult to predict, but are typically highest during hot afternoon hours. Ozone is created by the sun’s heat and light acting on gases and pollution in the atmosphere. Ozone levels are often difficult to predict, but are typically highest during hot afternoon hours.
Exposure to high summer ozone levels can cause coughing,
wheezing and chest tightness; worsen allergy and asthma symptoms; and irritate
the eyes, nose and throat. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on a
person’s sensitivity to ozone and can be felt immediately or as late as one or
more days after exposure. People with heart and lung conditions, children,
seniors, and people who work or exercise outdoors can be more sensitive to
ozone.
“The most serious effects of ozone air pollution come from
heavy or prolonged breathing of outdoor air when ozone levels are above the
federal standard of .075 ppm,” said Division of Air Quality (DAQ) toxicologist
Steve Packham, Ph.D. “It is important to check current ozone levels before
outdoor activities, and especially before exercising outdoors.”
To help residents plan ahead and adjust their activities
during periods of high pollution, DAQ provides air quality alerts through its
UtahAir app (available for free download in both the Apple and Android apps
stores), website (www.airquality.utah.gov), toll-free messages
(1-800-228-5434), and regular email alerts (www.deq.utah.gov/NewsNotices).
The agencies have developed materials to help Utahns assess
their sensitivity to ozone. Available online, they include Recommendations for
Outdoor Physical Activity During Ozone Season (May–September), and an ozone
tracking tool. The ozone tool can be used to track outdoor activities, ozone
levels, and symptoms experienced.
“Ozone affects each person differently,” said Kellie Baxter,
UDOH Asthma Program. “Monitor ozone levels and the symptoms you experience
during outdoor activities to determine what level of ozone you are sensitive
to,” she added. “This will help you decide when to move your activities indoors
to reduce your exposure.” To help Utahns plan outdoor activities during ozone
season, UDOH and DEQ guidelines recommend:
• The best time for outdoor summer physical
activity is before noon or after 6:00 p.m.
• If you are physically active between noon and
6:00 pm:
O Consider light to moderate activity (e.g.,
walking instead of running).
O Consider indoor activities.
• Discuss
physical activities with your doctor, especially if you have lung disease or a
heart condition.
A copy of the physical activity recommendations, ozone air
quality fact sheets, and ozone tracking sheet are available at www.health.utah.gov/asthma
or by calling the UDOH Health Resource Line at 1-888-222-2542. Additional
information on the health effects of ozone and what individuals can do to
protect their health is available at www.health.utah.gov/healthyair.
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