With the onset of winter, Utah residents are becoming reacquainted with an old friend — inversion. One of the most toxic pollutants in this inversion, particulate matter 2.5, is harmful to human health as it exacerbates asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections. However, given how widespread and heavily concentrated pollution is during the winter, it is critical Utahns understand the effects of pollution extend far beyond our respiratory health, even affecting us neurologically. Children, due to their proximity to the ground and low weight, are adversely affected by pollution.
Research from the University of Utah recently discovered that higher concentrations of air pollution near schools in Salt Lake County are associated with lower test scores. Furthermore, students attending disadvantaged schools are exposed to higher levels of air pollution. Thus, given that early learning proves instrumental in a child’s education and the location of these schools, there exists a problem of inequity in the education of Salt Lake County children stemming from pollution. Combating this requires us to control children’s exposure by limiting their time outside when pollution peaks. Furthermore, to protect future children, Utah school districts must pay greater attention to the proximity of schools to high pollution areas.
Emalee Carroll, Salt Lake City