Northern Utah’s worsening air quality is mostly California’s fault – because smoke from wildfires in that state is blowing our way.
“Typically, at this time of year PM 2.5 particulates are very low,” said Utah Division of Air Quality spokeswoman Donna Spangler. “But the winds are carrying the smoke from those California fires here.”
PM 2.5 particulates are particles in the air that measure 2.5 microns or less in width. Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure also can worsen medical conditions, like asthma and heart disease.