Project background

Wildfire activity in the Western US, including Utah, has significantly increased over recent decades. As the frequency, intensity and duration of wildfires continue to increase, communities in Utah downwind of wildfire-prone areas are at increased risk of harmful exposure to wildfire smoke. This smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants, including CO2 and PM2.5.

This project aims to reduce this risk in underserved rural and urban communities in Utah by improving health messaging, increasing community outreach, enhancing air pollution monitoring, and distributing air cleaners and high-efficiency filters. It is a collaborative effort involving the Utah Division of Air Quality, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR), the University of Utah (Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Chemical Engineering) and Snow College (Chemistry Department).

Sensor deployment

PM2.5 and CO2 low-cost AirU sensors will be deployed at indoor and outdoor locations at approximately 40 public schools to evaluate how the air quality inside schools changes during wildfire smoke events. CO2 measurements help us understand if there is enough indoor ventilation in the school. PM2.5 measurements help assess how much the wildfire smoke comes inside the school.

Air quality alerts and maps

Using location-specific outdoor PM2.5 sensor measurements, community members and school building managers can view real-time air quality maps, or sign up for location-specific air quality alerts.

Distribution of air cleaners and filters

We will distribute portable air cleaners and high-efficiency air filters to public schools and preschools located in impacted communities. Soon there will be a web-based application where schools in certain areas can request replacement filters and portable air cleaners.

Ventilation system interventions and guidance development

We will provide recommendations for operating HVAC systems during wildfire episodes. This information will also be used to develop guidance for improving indoor air quality in schools during wildfire events.

Recommendations for public health action

Strategies to reduce wildfire smoke exposure will be provided, with a focus on protecting at-risk groups (e.g., the elderly, outdoor workers). These strategies will include actions to be taken both during and before a wildfire event.

Community engagement

Throughout the project, we will engage community members through a series of activities:

• Community events and presentations
  • We will organize community presentations at and participate in local community events to disseminate health education materials and distribute air filtration devices, purifiers and box fan air cleaners in the target areas.
• Educational modules
  • Educational modules are currently in development, created by the University of Utah Chemical Engineering Department’s award-winning outreach program. Find examples of their teaching modules here. 
• Smoke preparedness materials
• Classroom visits