Since I have been researching this topic, I hear things like "Oh this is just Utah", or "That's just how it is in Utah". It is a dangerous head space to be in when you think that things are just as they are and there is nothing you can do about it. Knowledge is power and I feel that until Utahns are educated on the issue and come to the realization that "no, this is not normal, and yes, you can do something about it", we won't to see that positive change we need.

I think that sometimes we feel an issue is too large and we simply can't make a difference. But it is important to realize that one thing is never simply just this massive monster that needs to be conquered all at once. Everything has contributing parts and when we break it down and find the contributors to the issue, it becomes manageable and we can be more effective in how we eliminate the issue.

I think one of the biggest qualms that comes with a social issues is that people immediately think about how it affects them individually. If it doesn't, then it is simply brushed off and not really given more thought. Short-term exposure effects may be mostly applicable to those who are older but that doesn't mean those who are younger should not care. People are people and if you are contributing to the problem, it is your responsibility to remedy that. Whether you see the direct consequences of your actions or not.

This seems to be a problem where a lot of social issues are concerned. We tend to not think about gun violence until a shooting occurs, or the hidden racism that still plagues our nation until an incident is reported and publicized. Why is it that we wait until an event happens to prompt us to find solutions? It will always be easier to manage a problem before it gets out of hand. Nothing has to wait until the last minute in order to be effective to the cause. Pollution isn't only there if you can see it.There are things we can do now to create a change. Prevention is just as strong as change.

I think it is an important fact to note that short-term exposure is also very dangerous. I think too often, the importance of clean air can be neglected by those who don't think it will affect them because they aren't exposed "long-term". This thinking is very dangerous and leads us to downplay the seriousness of the issue. If we are not aware or concerned we don't protect ourselves.