Indicator Report - Air Quality: PM2.5
Why Is This Important?
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is very small and can get deep inside the lungs and cause a variety of health problems. These health problems can affect anyone, but especially sensitive populations such as children, older adults, people with preexisting heart and lung problems, and those who are physically active outdoors. Some of these health problems include painful breathing, chest tightness, headache, coughing, increased asthma symptoms, temporary reduction in lung capacity, abnormal heart beat, nonfatal heart attacks, and over time PM2.5 is associated with chronic lung problems and respiratory infections. Adverse health effects from PM2.5 are more likely to occur when PM2.5 levels exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's standard, but are possible when PM2.5 levels are below the standard, especially in sensitive populations.In addition to these adverse outcomes, PM2.5 can influence the environment in ways that will eventually affect human health. Fine particles cause haze which reduces visibility. The long-term effects of PM2.5, which settles in the soil, natural water sources, forests, and agricultural areas, are still to be determined.
PM2.5 Levels Over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard: Average Number of Days by Geography, Utah, 2000-2010
Data Notes
** Data for Layton Area not available in current dataset. Averages calculated using available years which can vary depending on location.Data Sources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality System (AQS).Other Views
- Average Number of Days by Month, Utah, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Utah, 1998-2007
- Percent of Population Living in Counties Exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard, Utah, 2001-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Cache County, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Box Elder County, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, North Weber County, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Ogden Area, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Layton Area, 2001-2007
- Number of Days by Year, Bountiful Area, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, North Salt Lake County, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, West Salt Lake County, 2000-2008
- Number of Days by Year, Magna Area, 2003-2010
- Number of Days by Year, East Salt Lake County, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, South Salt Lake County, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Highland Area, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Lindon Area, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Provo Area, 2000-2010
- Number of Days by Year, Spanish Fork Area, 2000-2010
- Percent of Days by Year, Box Elder County, 2000-2010
- Percent of Days by Year, Cache County, 2000-2010
- Percent of Days by Year, Davis County, 2000-2010
- Percent of Days by Year, Garfield County, 2000-2008
- Percent of Days by Year, San Juan County, 2000-2008
- Percent of Days by Year, Salt Lake County, 2000-2010
- Percent of Days by Year, Tooele County, 2000-2010
- Percent of Days by Year, Utah County, 2000-2009
- Percent of Days by Year, Washington County, 2000-2009
- Percent of Days by Year, Wayne County, 2000-2008
- Percent of Days by Year, Weber County, 2000-2010
- Person-days by Year, Box Elder County, 2000-2010
- Person-days by Year, Cache County, 2000-2010
- Person-days by Year, Davis County, 2000-2010
- Person-days by Year, Garfield County, 2000-2008
- Person-days by Year, San Juan County, 2000-2008
- Person-days by Year, Salt Lake County, 2000-2010
- Person-days by Year, Tooele County, 2000-2010
- Person-days by Year, Utah County, 2000-2010
- Person-days by Year, Washington County, 2000-2010
- Person-days by Year, Wayne County, 2000-2008
- Person-days by Year, Weber County, 2000-2010
Definition
PM2.5 includes small particles in the air that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. This includes particles like dust, dirt, soot, and smoke. PM2.5 levels are generally higher during the winter months due to weather, temperature, and inversions. PM2.5 is measured in micrograms per cubic meter. The Environmental Protection Agency's PM2.5 standard states that the average 24-hour PM2.5 levels should not exceed 35 micrograms per cubic meter.How We Calculated the Rates
| Numerator: | Number of days with PM2.5 levels over the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. |
| Denominator: | Not applicable. |
Page Content Updated On 03/28/2012,
Published on 04/30/2012
