I don't know about y'all, but I've been pretty concerned about the health of the air in Salt Lake City at least since my early 20s. I remember waiting at a bus stop in the winter and noticing how brown the air was even two-blocks from my stop. I remember a taste on my mouth when I went outside -- it tasted like the photo developing chemicals that would somehow coat my tongue after a few hours in the dark room, which wasn't very well ventilated.
This past winter was one of the worst for me though. The air seemed filthier this winter than most. A friend's 5 year old had just died of cancer (probably no air related) which led me to do a little bit of reading on childhood cancers and realizing that about 80% of cancers are caused by "environmental factors" and that children are much more vulnerable than adults due to metabolism and other factors. As the parent of a 12 and 3 year old, I'm very concerned about what my kids are exposed to. Seeing my friend go through the cancer treatment and then death of her young child has convinced me that we need to do what ever we can to make sure that our kids grow up healthy and safe.
Working for clean air seems like a cause I'd like to get behind, but I wasn't sure how to go about it. There is now a group forming to address this situation, though -- Utah Moms for Clean Air. The first meeting will be held this Wednesday:
"Our first meeting is May 2nd, 6:30 to 8pm at the Anderson Foothill Library in
Salt Lake City (1135 South 2100 East). We will listen to some experts, establish a draft mission statement, and brainstorm on how, by leveraging our moral standing as mothers, we can effect change to ensure our children have a healthy environment in which to grow and flourish.
One or more representatives from the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment group will give an introductory presentation on the subject of the health consequences of Utah 's chronic air pollution. Dads and children are, of course, welcome too! (A play area will be set-up for quiet kid play)."
sad
curious