3 Utah cities among those with worst air

Three Utah cities were among the worst in the nation for short-term particle pollution, while several counties in Utah received failing grades for high ozone days and year-round particle pollution, the American Lung Association's 2008 "State of the Air" report found.

"The trends tell us loud and clear that we need to do more to protect Americans from breathing air that's simply hazardous to their health," American Lung Association CEO Bernadette Toomey said in a statement.

Logan and Salt Lake City ranked number six and seven, respectively, and Provo landed the 12th spot in the May 1 report's top 25 cities most affected by short-term particle pollution, which is usually ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols. The short-term version is when the pollution spikes for hours, days or even weeks at a time.

Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties each received an F for their high levels of year-round particle pollution, according to the report.

Utah Division of Air Quality director Cheryl Heying said the report grabs headlines, but that it should be kept in perspective by recognizing its less-scolding tenor and the fact that Utah has been making strides to improve its own air quality. Los Angeles, for example, is praised in the report for improving its air quality.

"People need to know we are making improvements — and we need to continue to do so," Heying said.

She said Utahns need to inform themselves about air quality and bad air days, and those at risk need to take appropriate steps to prevent associated health problems on those days. By logging on to www.airquality.utah.gov, people can learn more about air quality in Utah and sign up for e-mail alerts.

Davis and Salt Lake counties were given failing grades for having too many high ozone days, which typically result during summer when sunlight reacts with fuel vapors from vehicles and industry and creates a potentially dangerous invisible gas. The Environmental Protection Agency adopted new tougher ozone standards last March.

The most at-risk groups of Utahns in the areas targeted in the report are tens of thousands who are older than 65, are under 18 or who have pediatric or adult asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or diabetes.

Nationally, about 42 percent of the population lives in a county that has "unhealthful" levels of either ozone or particle pollution, the American Lung Association stated in its report. The group urged individuals to cut back on pollution by driving less, not burning wood or trash and using less electricity.

For a look at the complete report, go online to www.stateoftheair.org or www.lungusa.org.

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com