An Ozone Action Day Alert has been sent out across Colorado’s Front Range, telling people in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and nearby counties to be careful until Thursday at 4 p.m., because the air quality could get dangerous for some groups.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, ozone levels may rise to a point where children, older people, and people with asthma or other lung diseases are at risk. This is especially true along the western corridor that runs from Denver north to Larimer and Weld counties. A warning was sent out at 4 p.m. Wednesday to people in Broomfield, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Adams, and Douglas counties as well.
As summer temperatures rise and winds die down, ozone pollution may build up, making it hard to breathe, especially for kids and people who like to be active. Health experts say that people shouldn’t do too much outside, especially in the afternoon, and they also tell people not to drive gas or diesel cars as much until at least Thursday evening. New strategies are also being made by the state to deal with long-term ozone problems.
During the hottest months in Colorado, ozone alerts are typical. But this week, levels could reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” which would be the highest so far this summer. At colorado.gov/airquality, people can see what the conditions are right now.
The Front Range Urban Corridor will still be under an Ozone Action Day Alert until Thursday at 4 p.m. If things get worse, we’ll let you know.
