Utah DEQ Warns of Increased Summer Ozone Pollution

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is warning residents about increased summer ozone pollution. The notice explains the causes of ozone, its health effects, and provides guidance on how to reduce emissions and stay informed about air quality alerts.

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What changed

The Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued a notice warning of increased ground-level ozone pollution during the summer months. The notice details that ozone is formed by chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial facilities, vehicles, and household products, exacerbated by hot, sunny, and stagnant weather conditions. It highlights the health risks associated with breathing ozone, including lung damage and worsening of respiratory conditions.

The DAQ advises sensitive individuals to shift outdoor activities to mornings when ozone levels are lower and suggests reducing emissions by using electric lawn equipment, public transportation, and cleaner vehicles. The agency also outlines its 'Action Alerts' and 'Health Guidance' system, which notifies the public about expected high ozone levels and recommends voluntary or mandatory actions for residents and industry. Residents are encouraged to check air.utah.gov or the Utah Air app for updates and forecasts.

What to do next

Review health guidance and action alerts from DAQ during summer months
Consider shifting outdoor activities to mornings if ozone levels are high
Explore options to reduce personal emissions, such as using public transport or electric lawn equipment

Source document (simplified)

Summer Air Quality Concerns

As the warm temperatures arrive in Utah, so does summer ozone pollution. Unlike winter’s thick inversions, ozone is odorless and colorless, and can typically not be seen with the eye. Reducing emissions from a number of sources is critical in limiting the formation of ozone.

“The summer season is starting so we expect ozone levels to be increasing,” Bo Call, Air Monitoring Section Manager said.

Ozone is a result of a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are caused by a combination of emissions from industrial facilities, vehicles, household products and cleaning supplies, and paints and solvents. When the right meteorological conditions occur, NOx and VOCs create ground level ozone, posing challenges to Utah’s air quality.

“The most likely days to see elevated ozone are hot sunny days that are also fairly stagnant wind wise,” Call said.

Breathing ozone can damage lung tissue and even low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory conditions like asthma.

Division of Air Quality (DAQ) scientists say to switch up your schedule if ozone levels are expected to be high on certain days.

“If ozone levels do increase then shifting outdoor activities to the mornings when ozone levels are lower would be a good move for any that might be sensitive to higher ozone levels,” Call said.

You can also help reduce emissions by switching from gas-powered lawn equipment to electric, riding public transportation, and driving cleaner vehicles fueled with Tier 3 gas.

Action Alerts Health Guidance

During the summer, DAQ meteorologists issue Health Guidance and Action Alerts if high ozone levels are expected. The guidance and alerts help residents plan ahead and adjust their activities during periods of high ozone.

Action Alerts notify the public of the actions needed to combat current pollution levels. Three basic symbols are used to indicate unrestricted, voluntary and mandatory actions.
- Voluntary Action (symbol = ▼)*: Reduce vehicle use by taking public transit or consolidating trips. Industry should optimize operating conditions to minimize air pollution emissions.
- Mandatory Action (symbol =): Industry should optimize operating conditions to minimize air pollution emissions.
Health Guidance helps determine how the highest pollution level of the day will affect human health. These are the green, yellow, orange or red ratings based on how much ozone pollution is currently in the air. Stay up to date by checking air.utah.gov or downloading the Utah Air app for hourly updates and three day air quality forecasts. You can also sign up to receive air quality forecast emails that are sent when DAQ issues action alerts and health guidance:

Subscribe to Air Quality Alerts