inversions and air quality
- The cold weather seems to be slowly
settling in the Grand Valley, bringing the possibility of temperature
inversions with it. - Inversions can be problematic when
considering pollution, as they prevent the vertical motion of air. - Colder air containing particles of
pollution will hit a layer of warmer air, so pollutants cannot escape into
higher layers of the atmosphere, affecting air quality. - During extended inversion periods, the
air we breathe will contain higher concentrations of pollutants, which can lead
to various health concerns. - As a community, we can work together
to reduce polluting emissions this season by: - Carpooling, using public
transportation, walking or riding bikes to our destinations. - Combining errands into one trip and
plan the most efficient route to avoid traffic delays. - Keeping vehicles well-tuned and
maintained. - Obeying the speed limit and accelerate
gradually. - Keeping solvents and paints in
properly sealed, air tight containers. - Burning materials contributes to
pollution as well, so open burning is not
permitted during the winter months. Spring open burn season begins March 1. - Mesa County Health Department monitors
air quality. Visit health.mesacounty.us/airquality for the latest conditions.
healthy holiday travel
- The holiday season really kicks off
next week and many residents will be traveling to spend time with family and
friends. Be sure to take precautions to avoid getting yourself or a family
member sick. - Keep yourself in mind. Be sure to get
your flu shot and make sure you’re up to date on all of your other
immunizations. - The stress of traveling, along with a
change in both sleeping and eating habits, can weaken your immune system. Take
the time to take care of yourself. - Wash your hands frequently. Make sure
kids are keeping their hands out of their mouths. - Keep your company in mind. If someone
in your family has a weak immune system or is too young to receive
immunizations, it’s vital that you are up to date on your own to protect them
against illness. - Mesa County Health Department
recommends residents to get a Tdap immunization to avoid passing whooping cough
to any babies or young children they may be visiting. - Keep your destination in mind.
Different parts of the world carry different types of diseases. Click here to make sure you
are up to date on the immunizations required to travel to your holiday
destination.