Why is ozone a summer air challenge?
Ground-level ozone pollution is formed when emissions from everyday items combine with other pollutants and “cook” in the heat and sunlight. Sources of such emissions include local industry, gasoline-powered vehicles and lawn equipment, and household paints, stains and solvents.
Weather plays a key role in ozone formation. The highest ozone levels are usually recorded in summer months when temperatures approach the high 80s and 90s and when the wind is stagnant or light.
How does ozone affect my health and the health of my family?
At ground level, ozone pollution is harmful to all of us, especially the young and elderly. Ozone can also trigger attacks and symptoms in individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory infections.
High levels of ozone pollution often affect healthy people who work or exercise outdoors and can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation and reduced resistance to lung infections and colds with exposure for prolonged periods.
Does ozone threaten Denver’s clean air status?
While the Denver region is currently in compliance with the new, stricter ozone standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it continues to flirt with the limit. The region has until 2007 to maintain compliance and receive an official attainment designation from the federal government.
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is asking citizens to take care of their summer air by making voluntary changes in behavior to ensure that the Front Range region will continue to meet federal air quality standards.
What can I do to prevent ozone pollution?
Denver’s ozone season runs from June through August. During this time, the RAQC will work with meteorologists at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to issue “Ozone Action Alerts,” notifying the public when ozone levels could potentially reach unhealthy levels. During an ozone action alert, you can make a special effort in taking some simple actions including:
- Stop at the click – do not overfill gas tanks when refueling.
- Keep vehicles regularly maintained.
- Tighten gas caps after refueling.
- Mow in the evening.
- Refuel in the evening.
- Use new earth friendly lawn equipment.
By taking these actions, you can help keep the metropolitan Denver region a healthy, clean city in which to live, work and play.
To find out about current air quality conditions, visit this site often, sign up for ozone action alerts on the home page or call the 24-hour hotline number at 303-758-4848.
For more information on air quality issues along the Front Range, visit the RAQC’s website.
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Ozone Information