(AGENPARL) – mar 23 gennaio 2024 Issued: Jan 23, 2024 (12:29pm EST)
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Utah to reduce indoor air pollution in schools, public buildings from wildfire
smoke events through EPA grant
State to receive $854k for wildfire smoke preparedness projects in target
underserved areas
SALT LAKE CITY –?The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
expected to award $10.76 million in grant funding to nine selected recipients
across the country to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness. Of these
recipients, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) is
anticipating a $854,609 grant to improve community resiliency to wildfire
smoke through enhanced deployment of air quality monitors and alerts. 
UDEQ will be working with partners to enhance communities’ resilience to
wildfire smoke in target underserved areas. The plan will include deploying
indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air
quality alerts, and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools,
preschools and residents. With more than 672,000 kids enrolled in Utah public
schools, developing wildfire smoke preparedness programs improves indoor air
quality and reduces public health risks for many students. 
“Utah is one of the most fire-prone states in the American West,
 communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front
line communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant
will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop
plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save
lives.” 
Additional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke
preparedness include Montana and Colorado, which will be awarded to their
public health entities: 
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been selected to
receive $1.89M to design and implement a state-wide program to provide
outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to
prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke. 
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has been selected
to receive $610,000 to engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke
awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six
communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally
appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and
provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and
importance of good indoor air quality. 
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western
states where large wildfires are becoming increasingly more common. Smoke
plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health
impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks,
cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise
people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from
outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous
to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also
vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.  
These grants are provided under Section 103(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act as
supplemented by authority provided in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act
and the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund abatement activities. 
Learn more about these grants. 
Learn more about?Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality. 
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