What exactly are “Ozone Action Day” alerts, and why do they seem to multiply in the heat? So far in 2024, Colorado health officials have issued 15 Ozone Action Days in June, 22 Action Days in July and five Action Days in August, according to state data . That’s nearly a month and a half of days with poor air quality. Ozone Action Days are called when the Air Quality Index is forecast to reach unhealthy levels due to a combination of ozone, wildfire smoke and other pollutants, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .
The AQI measuring system reports daily levels of air pollution. Generally, AQIs of: “When ozone occurs naturally in the atmosphere, miles above the Earth’s surface, it protects people from harmful ultraviolet solar radiation,” state officials said. “However, ground-level ozone is air pollution that can harm our health.
” Colorado can experience ozone pollution at any time, but the state most often sees pollution hit unhealthy levels during the summer, according to state officials . The unhealthy ground-level ozone forms when certain air pollutants — including nitrogen oxides and “volatile organic compounds” — bake in the heat and sunlight. “In general, volatile organic compounds are air pollutants that you can smell,” state officials said.
“Vehicles that run on gas, other equipment that runs on gas, and industry operations are all large sources.” When Ozone Action Days are issued, people should limit the use of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles, lawnmowers and other equipment that can add to the air pollution already impacting an area, according to action day alerts. Wildfire smoke can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone pollution, triggering Ozone Action Day alerts.
State officials said short-term exposure to unhealthy ozone levels can cause coughing; eye, nose and throat irritation; chest pain; difficulty breathing and asthma attacks. Long-term exposure has been linked to a variety of health issues, including lung and cardiovascular disease and premature death. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.
.
