NEWS RELEASE
July 1, 2005
Contacts:
Bryce Bird, Division of Air Quality, 801.536.4064
Bob Dalley, Air Monitoring Center, 801.887.0762
(Salt Lake City) – The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued a wildfire smoke health advisory for southwestern Utah and an ozone health advisory for Washington County. Active children and adults, the elderly and individuals with respiratory and heart disease should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors in areas of wildfire smoke. Those having problems should contact their health care provider. This health advisory will remain in effect while smoke and high temperatures are prevalent in the area.
Particulate matter found in smoke can irritate the lungs and eyes. These fine particles can become lodged in delicate lung tissue, decreasing lung function, especially for people with respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing and throat irritation, and can aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.
More information is available on the Web at www.cleanair.utah.gov.