A 24-hour alert was issued by the state of Colorado on Sunday at 4 p.m., urging residents to reduce their use of gas and diesel-powered vehicles to mitigate poor air quality. The “Ozone Action Day Alert” is expected to remain in effect until at least 4 p.m. on Monday.
According to the alert, hot and sunny weather may lead to ozone concentrations reaching the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category on Sunday and Monday. Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other industrial facilities react with sunlight, exacerbated by heat and sunlight.
The alert warned that the southwestern and western areas of the Denver metropolitan region will have the highest ozone concentrations, with Sunday’s air quality index deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Some individuals may experience respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort, particularly those with lung disease such as asthma, as well as active children and adults.
As a result, the alert advised individuals to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. The National Weather Service is now partnering with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment to issue Air Quality Alerts, beginning in July. When the CDPHE issues an Ozone Action Day or other alert, the NWS will disseminate the information to the public via the Air Quality Alert system.
