-
Radiation Basics
Radiation is one of the ways that energy travels through space or matter. Radiant energy is emitted as either electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles. This energy runs along a continuum on the electromagnetic spectrum on the basis of its wavelength, frequency, or energy. The two major types of radiation—non-ionizing and ionizing—are differentiated by the level…
-
What is Ozone?
Ozone is a highly reactive gas that when inhaled can cause burning and irritation of the lining of the lungs. This is particularly harmful to individuals with breathing problems like asthma, as well as for people who work outside when ozone levels are high. Ozone is not directly emitted by human activities, but is formed…
-
Frequently Asked Questions: Lead in Drinking Water
The Lead in Drinking Water FAQ answers some of the most common questions asked of the Utah Division of Drinking Water. Still have more questions? Contact us. What is Lead? Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. Even at low levels, lead may cause…
-
Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPS)
The increased awareness in recent years of the dangers of toxic air pollutants has caused Congress to design regulatory efforts to control toxic substances in the air. These hazardous air pollutants (HAPS) are air pollutants for which National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) do not exist. These pollutants may be expected to cause cancer, developmental…
-
2015 HAPs Study (Hazardous Air Pollutants)
Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are air pollutants that are known to cause or suspected to cause serious, adverse health effects. They come from a wide variety of industrial, residential, and mobile sources. The Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) conducted a year-long pilot study in 2015 to learn more about HAPs in the Salt Lake…
-
Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium 6)
Water systems in Utah have been required to test for total chromium since 1993. Total chromium measurement is an analysis of two types of chromium, both of which are soluble in water. These are hexavalent chromium (or Chromium 6) and trivalent chromium. Trivalent chromium is an essential nutrient; hexavalent chromium is considered a dangerous contaminant.…
-
Utah DDW Response to the EWG Study on Hexavalent Chromium
The analytical method used in the Environmental Working Group (EWG) study may be subject to interference by other metals present in the water, such as iron or other salts. The method is known to require the addition of buffers that have trace levels of chromium. Using a method which is susceptible to interference by naturally…
-
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that can be lethal in high concentrations. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for CO is 9 parts per million (ppm) on an eight-hour average or 35 ppm on a one-hour averaging period. CO occurs naturally by the decomposition of organic matter. The primary man-made…
-
Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to asbestos Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) compiled by the Utah Division of Air Quality. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a name given to a group of minerals which occur naturally as masses of long silky fibers. Asbestos is known for its unique properties of being resistant to abrasion, inert to acid and alkaline solutions,…
-
Potassium Iodide (KI)
What is it? Potassium Iodide is a salt, similar to sodium chloride (NaCI), normal table salt. KI is available in pill form or dissolved in water as a supersaturated potassium iodide (SSKI) solution. The pills contain a daily adult (children’s doses range from 16-65 mg depending on their size and age) dosage of 130 milligrams…
-
SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide)
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. It mainly comes from burning fuels that contain sulfur, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. When these fuels burn, the sulfur reacts with oxygen to form sulfur oxides (SOx). SO₂ is the most common form of SOx and is often measured to…
-
Mercury
Advisories and Health Effects Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring metal found throughout the environment. It is a liquid at room temperature, combines easily with other metals and expands and contracts evenly with temperature changes. Because of these properties, mercury has been used in many household, medical and industrial products. Although mercury performs many useful…
-
Pollutants
This page presents links to DEQ information about specific pollutants.
