First 'yellow air day' in Cache County

The Bear River Health Department has declared its first "yellow air day" for the winter season in Cache County, heralding what health and environmental officials expect to be a tough winter in the northern Utah county.

Health officials noted that pollution levels climbed steadily Saturday in Cache County and were expected to reach 40 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter by today. Last January and the past three winters pollution levels in the county were measured at 65 micrograms, making Logan's air one of the worst in the nation.

Experts say the geography of the bowl-shaped Cache Valley is prime for trapping pollutants.

Health officials Saturday encouraged residents to reduce their driving by carpooling, riding a bus or walking and biking. Residents also are discouraged from burning wood. People in high-risk categories, including young children, adults over 65, and people with respiratory, heart, immune system or other chronic diseases, should also reduce their outdoor activity if air pollution levels continue to rise.

Should air quality reach a "red air day," officials may ask residents to cut their driving in half and to only go outside when necessary. A "red air day" will be declared when levels reach above 52 micrograms.