A warning for Ozone Action Day is in effect until Wednesday. What this means for you.

DENVER — It’s another Ozone Action Day Alert for the Front Range, and an air quality warning is in effect until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday for the Denver metropolitan area, west to the foothills, north to the Wyoming border and over parts of the northeastern Plains. What exactly does that mean for you and your family?

In short, air quality is deteriorating. We often see Ozone Action Day alerts during the summer months, when temperatures in urban areas rise and ozone concentrations may reach the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.

Ozone is a chemical compound that affects life on Earth both positively and negatively. The ozone layer sits high above the planet and blocks UV radiation from the sun. This is good, we need it. There is also ground-level ozone that we breathe in. It is created by a chemical reaction of things like exhaust fumes and pollutants mixing with sunlight. This can be harmful.

Elevated ground-level ozone can cause eye, lung and throat irritation. High-risk groups, such as people with respiratory problems or lung disease, should limit their time outdoors, especially in the late afternoon and early evening when temperatures reach their highest levels of the day.

An Ozone Action Day warning is in effect for the Front Range Wednesday. What this means for you

Vehicle exhaust and industrial activities also produce pollutants. In honor of Ozone Action Day Alerts, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is urging us to limit driving gasoline and diesel vehicles. Carpool, use public transportation, walk or bike whenever possible.

Dangerous irritation can increase in anyone, especially when smoke particles from wildfires are in the air. Close doors and windows and avoid strenuous outdoor activities as we watch fires with drifting smoke and haze this summer.

About 61% of Colorado’s ozone layer is beyond our control, but doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint and keep our planet green is always helpful for our environment.

Why ozone levels are so low in Colorado’s Front Range

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