Walking urged as way to cut ozone levels

State officials want you to walk more to help clean up the air — but don't overdo it.

The state Department of Environmental Quality is urging the public to "choose clean air" through safe exercise with a new summer "Park It and Walk It" campaign.

Walking is healthier and will reduce pollution levels of harmful gases like ozone. But to avoid breathing in the ozone during peak hours, the department is encouraging people to check out a new addition to the Utah Air Quality Index Web site at www.cleanair.utah.gov. It shows frequently updated ozone levels for each county, said Rick Sprott, director of the state's Division of Air Quality.

Ozone levels in the air are particularly high during the summer and are harmful to breathe, but simple choices about when to use vehicles can reduce these risks and avoid permanent lung damage, Sprott said.

Ozone is a gas and often refers to a layer in the atmosphere, but the gas is also created by smog interacting with intense heat and light common during summer afternoons. Vehicle emissions from morning commutes turn into dangerous ozone as the weather heats up during peak hours between 2-8 p.m., he said.

According to Laura Vernon, spokeswoman for the Department of Environmental Quality, ozone levels so far this summer have been moderate because of the frequent rainstorms the valley has experienced. But Utahns are encouraged to be careful because the invisible gas inflames lung cells and is harmful to everyone, especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases.

Walking, biking, using public transportation for short trips and not driving or using other combustible engines during peak hours reduces the amount of ozone produced.

"There are choices we can make that won't really interfere with our lifestyles," Sprott said. "When pollution is high, it's the right time to make that choice."

But even though walking and biking reduce the amount of harmful pollution created, the department is concerned that people may exercise at the wrong times. By avoiding physical exertion that causes heavy breathing during peak hours, people can avoid lung damage caused by pollution, said Dr. Dagmar Vitek, medical services director for the Salt Lake Valley Health Department.

"Children are especially at risk because they are very active, spend lots of time outdoors and their lungs are still developing. Symptoms include throat irritation, coughing and uncomfortable feelings in the chest. The symptoms may go away but not the damage . . . ozone creates scarring," Vitek said.

For more ideas on reducing summer pollution through safe exercise, visit www.utahwalks.org.

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E-mail: akirk@desnews.com