We are now at that time of year that air quality worsens. We have already seen some high ozone days.

Many of us believe that our vehicles do not need to meet an emissions standard. Mostly because we don’t have to get our vehicles emissions tested. 

It is illegal to alter the emissions on our vehicles. It is illegal to have a vehicle that smokes.

We have all seen the vehicles that smoke excessively or someone has programmed a vehicle to smoke intentionally.

Utah Code 41-6a-1626 (attached)

We will have a link for you to fill out an online report. https://slco.org/health/report-a-problem/smoking-motor-vehicle/

To report you will need:

• Vehicle license plate number
• Date and time observed
• Vehicle location
• Vehicle description

If we get a report we will send a letter to the registered owner explaining the law. If we get multiple reports we may require an emissions test. We can request that the DMV not register a vehicle until the problem is fixed. We can also fine them for the violation.

What we want is for everyone in Uintah, Duchesne, and Daggett Counties to be concerned about our air quality and realize how they are impacting the rest of the community.

Listen to this radio clip from an interview with Environmental Health Director, Darrin Brown:

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Choose a CO alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter the home.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.

HOME HEATING EQUIPMENT

Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in. When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation. Never use your oven to heat your home.

FACTS

• A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.
• In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of nine calls per hour.

More information at

www.nfpa.org/education

Did you know vaccines are not just for children? Adults need them too. As we get older our risk for different diseases increases and changes creating the need for immunizations. There is also
the chance that some adults did not receive some of the vaccinations available now as children.

Recently Gardasil, the vaccine for HPV, was approved for adults up through age 45. Have you considered this protection for yourself? Another vaccine that is new for adults is Shingrix, a
shingles vaccine. This vaccine is recommended for ages 50 and older and is 90% effective in preventing shingles. The previous shingles vaccine was only 60% effective.
Last year the Uintah Basin had a very high rate of flu cases that were hospitalized. Our rate was double that of the rest of the state. Most all of those who had to be hospitalized did not get their flu shot. A simple flu shot could have saved many illnesses. Have you had your flu shot this year to protect yourself from the flu?

These are just a few examples of vaccines adults need. If you are wondering what you need come to Tricounty Health Department and we can help you find out what you’re missing.