Winter time in Utah is synonymous with the inversion. The temperature inversions are no fun for anyone living in Utah due to all of the negatives that come with them.
What are inversions?
Inversions happen when a layer of warmer air traps air near the ground. This layer of warmer air prevents ozone and particulate matter from leaving the area along the Wasatch front. These pollutants are trapped unless something happens like a large storm or heavy winds.
Why does any of it matter?
Inversions are not good for everyone living in it especially people with lung diseases such as asthma. If you're dealing asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses, symptoms such as coughing and wheezing will increase during inversions. Even if you don't have a lung disease, inversions are still not good for you because you are breathing in fine particulate matter. Fine particulate matter will aggravate your nose and throat while still causing injury to your lungs.
The elderly and children are at high risk of lung diseases and other health issues. The elderly may have weaker immune systems and respiratory health that can be further compromised by living in the inversion. Children spend more time outside and breathe at a faster pace the adults so they're taking in more polluted air per pound of body weight according to Salt Lake City.
What can you do about it?
As much as you would love to leave Utah during an inversion, there's a good chance that's highly unlikely since Utah is home. You work here, your children go to school here and your home is here. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to reduce the effects of the winter inversions on your family.
Air mask: You can now order masks to help you deal with the air pollution when you're outside of your house. Depending on the brand and style, air pollution masks tend to range from $12-$50 in price. Air pollution masks have the ability to filter out different types of particulate matter.
HEPA air purifier: A type of air filter, HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. An air purifier can seem like an expensive option but having an air purifier in your home can help reduce everything from pet dander to other particles. HEPA air purifiers can range from $50-$200 in price. The best place to put an air purifier is where you spend the majority of your time at home.
Carpool: One of the reasons for the increasing intensity of inversions is the growing number of cars on the road. You can do your part by taking cars off the road and carpooling to and from work. If taking public transportation is more convenient for you then opt for the bus and/or the tracks.
Integrative Medica specializes in complementary and alternative medicine. Patients that come into Integrative Medica can feel comfortable knowing they are receiving the most effective alternative medicine treatments available. Contact us for your next appointment!
