HEALTH

Air quality along the Wasatch Front is concerning for sensitive groups

Dec 19, 2022, 1:20 PM

FILE: A poor air quality day makes it hard to see the Utah Capitol building in Salt Lake City. (Rav...

FILE: A poor air quality day makes it hard to see the Utah Capitol building in Salt Lake City. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)

(Ravell Call, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — With the smoggy air looming over the Wasatch Front, certain groups may be at risk for health concerns in Cache, Davis, and Salt Lake counties.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality said the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines sensitive groups as people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and people with diabetes.

KSL TV meteorologist Matt Johnson said the air quality is in the moderate to unhealthy category for sensitive groups. 

Furthermore, the DEQ said the air remains unhealthy for these groups through Wednesday, December 21.

The poor air quality comes from the inversion trapping smog and other pollutants in the valley.

“We do have some air quality concerns out there as an inversion has now taken a grip along the Wasatch Front,” Johnson told KSL NewsRadio. 

That said, a possible storm later this week may clear out the smoggy air. 

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Air quality along the Wasatch Front is concerning for sensitive groups