Colorado Springs Endures Air Quality Alerts
State Health Department leaders are warning that hot temperatures and clear skies are the perfect conditions for air pollution problems.
On Sunday and Monday, an ozone action day alert was issued for Colorado Springs. It didn’t get much attention, and even allergy specialists said finding out about the advisory didn’t come easy.
“I’m usually looking for rain, thunder and lightning {in the weather reports,}” said Dr. Bill Storms, who owns an allergy clinic in his name.
The warnings are issued by the state based on information collected by weather instruments and guidelines set forth by the Regional Air Quality Council.
The alerts for Colorado Springs indicated that the hot weather and clear skies would “cook” pollutants in the air causing moderate to unhealthy levels of ozone, which can cause problems for those sensitive to respiratory problems.
“Those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema have to be very careful and not go outside when there is ozone in the air or pollution of any sort,” said Storms.
Storms said those sensitive to problems should avoid outdoor activity during the heat of the day on ozone alert days.
On the flip side, those without chronic pulmonary problems shouldn’t be bothered by ozone alert days.
“High ozone alert days are not going to be noticed by the average person, and they shouldn’t be dangerous unless they’re happening everyday, which they are not,” said Storms.
Ozone warnings are more common in the Denver area where more car exhaust creates problems.
Here’s a link to the state website charged with ozone action day alerts.
On alert days, the RAQC asks residents to take these actions to help reduce emissions:
* Keep cars well maintained * Refuel after 5 p.m. on hot, sunny days * Stop at the click — don’t overfill gas tanks * Walk to lunch and run errands after work * Take the bus at least once a week * Use gas-powered lawn equipment after 5 p.m on hot, sunny days * Avoid painting and staining projects in the heat of the day * Tightly cap solvents; store in a cool place
