State announces change on air quality warnings

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has announced a change to its red/yellow wood burn program.

In the past, a yellow wood burn condition was issued when air pollutions levels reached 40.5. This level is considered "unhealthy for sensitive individuals." Now, the state will declare a yellow burn condition when levels are moderate and reach the 15.5-40.4 range, when an inversion is expected to continue.

The state's red wood burn condition will remain at 52 or more, which is below the "unhealthy" level.

However, in Cache County, the Bear River Health Department will declare a yellow air day when levels reach 40. A red air day will be declared when levels reach 52 or more.

On yellow air days, the Bear River Health Department is encouraging Cache County residents to begin reducing their driving by carpooling, riding a bus, walking or biking. Wood burning is also discouraged. On red air days, the department encourages residents to cut their driving in half and only go outside when necessary.

People in high risk categories include young children, adults over 65, people with respiratory, heart, immune system and other chronic diseases.

For hourly levels, visit: www.airmonitoring.utah.gov/rpm25.htm.