Inversion time. Poor air quality.
UPHE Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment give us these tips:
Protecting your own health during the inversion
Air purifier
We recommend having a HEPA air purifier, especially in your bedroom. Air purifiers can be a bit spendy, so the next best thing would be taping a MERV 16 filter to the back of a box fan. Keeping windows and doors closed helps improve your indoor environment during poor air quality!
Wearing a mask when outdoors can help reduce your exposure. N95 or KN95 masks provide the most benefit.
Avoid exercising outdoors!
Opt for an at-home or gym workout instead.
Anti-Inflammatory foods
Pollution causes inflammation in the body. Anti-inflammatory foods include: olive oil, broccoli, tomatoes, and avocados
AVOID: red meat, processed meat, bread and pasta with white flour and deep fried foods.
Try to cook with a crockpot rather than your stove or oven to improve energy efficiency and reduce your indoor pollution!
Reducing your impact on the inversion
Mass Transit
A few really convenient places to take the TRAX include, Jazz Games, SLC Airport, University of Utah, City Creek, and Fashion Place Mall. Find UTA schedules, maps and fares here.
Reducing your energy use
Cook with a crockpot rather than your stove or oven to improve energy efficiency and reduce your indoor pollution.
Reduce your use of hot water, wash your laundry on cold, turn your thermostat down a few degrees and put on a sweater.
Don't Idle
A few places people commonly idle include the airport, waiting for your slow friends and family, or in a long drive through line. When in doubt, turn the key!
Using alternatives to wood burning
If you have the means, converting your wood fireplace to electric helps reduce your impact on pollution. Keep your house warmer by keeping blinds closed, add rugs and close doors in the house.
Shopping local & in-season reduces transportation demand
Check out UtahsOwn.org for local Utah businesses and food producers!
Winter Produce: Winter squash, turnips, beets and cabbage
Click here for the UTA schedule and maps!
And of course, advocating for clean air policies and tighter restrictions on the fossil fuel and extraction industries! The legislative session starts January 16th. Make sure your legislators know clean air is important to you!