Breathe Utah was formed early in 2010 to address the air quality problems in Utah including along the Wasatch Front and in Cache Valley.
Cameron Cova, president of Breathe Utah, said that they “try to find practical solutions and bring all the relevant people to the table.”
Working with the Department of Public Health and other organizations, Breathe Utah assisted in developing guidelines for teachers to use during red air quality alerts when making the decision about school recess and whether or not it is safe for the students to go outside.
“Eighty percent of lung development occurs after birth,” said Erin Mendenhall, outreach coordinator for Breathe Utah, “Toxic pollutants adversely affect lung development.”
Children are at greater risks because they have a higher breathing rate than adults and take in more air in comparison to their body size. They also spend more time outside.
In the fall, Breathe Utah will be educating Parent Teacher Associations and school administrators about anti-idling programs in schools and the recess guidelines.
Breathe Utah urges everyone to create an Emergency Air Quality Action Plan. The steps include:
- Know the air quality
- Plan on how you will reduce driving on those days when the air quality is poor
- Test and share your plan
- Take action
Breathe Utah can be found at the Farmer’s Market once a month and has a chapter in Park City. They are also on Facebook and Twitter.
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