The air pollution that people in Colorado Springs inhale on a daily basis comes from a myriad of sources: factories, vehicle emissions, buildings and homes, as well as fossil fuel power generating facilities.
Why is air quality so poor in Colorado?
Metro areas tend to have higher levels of air pollution due to more traffic, power plants and factories. Because of this, many of the air pollution monitors in Colorado are located along the Front Range corridor from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, the most densely populated area of the state.
Is Colorado air quality getting worse?
It’s no secret that Colorado’s air quality has been in decline for years. This week alone saw health alerts for both smoke-filled skies and ozone levels that had already prompted the Environmental Protection Agency in 2019 to label Denver as a “serious” nonattainment zone.
What are Colorado’s biggest sources of air pollution?
The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission 2012 Annual Report clearly stated that Northern Colorado’s biggest air polluters are the oil & gas industry, fossil fuel power plants, and internal combustion engine vehicles (e.g. cars, trucks, etc.).
Does Colorado Springs have good air quality?
Colorado Springs, CO. Colorado Springs has an air quality index of 88.3%. That’s a bit less than the national average of 89.2%, but still better than the air quality in Denver, just North of Colorado Springs. The Palmer Divide tends to block out most of the smog and pollutants that come from Denver.
Where is the cleanest air in Colorado?
Colorado Springs made the cleanest cities list for only year-round particle pollution, while Pueblo made the cleanest cities list for short-term particle pollution.
What is Colorado doing to improve air quality?
A December 2019 rulemaking to cut emissions of pollutants that help create ozone pollution from the oil and gas industry by thousands of tons per year. A 2020 rulemaking to cut emissions of oxides of nitrogen, which help create ozone pollution, from the development of oil and gas wells.
How can you protect yourself from poor air quality?
8 tips to protect yourself from unhealthy air quality
- Close your windows. Keeping your windows closed is the first step in keeping the smoky air out of your home.
- Use central cooling.
- Avoid certain chores.
- Stay indoors.
- Use a N95 mask.
- Change your air filters.
- Use an air purifier.
- Stay informed.
What can you do about poor air quality?
5 things you should do when there’s poor air quality
- Take your medications as directed.
- Stay indoors.
- Go to a higher altitude.
- Avoid exercising outdoors.
- Try to limit emissions.
What state has the best air quality?
Hawaii. Hawaii has an air quality index of 21.2, the cleanest average air in the U.S. This is well in the good air quality index range.
What is an ozone alert in Colorado?
Ground-level ozone is an air pollution problem that impacts the health of all Coloradans. Exposure can cause acute respiratory problems and trigger asthma attacks. During Ozone Action Alerts, avoid rigorous outdoor activity during the heat of the day. Prolonged exposure can cause long-lasting damage to your lungs.
Why is ozone high in Colorado?
Because of the geography of the Front Range, ozone levels tend to be higher in the Denver Metro Region than in other parts of Colorado.
What causes poor air quality in home?
Indoor air pollution is usually caused by the accumulation of contaminants from various sources inside a home. Emissions from fireplaces, stoves, cigarettes, cleaning products, newer building materials, and chemicals stored in the home can cause indoor air problems.
Why is there so much smog in Colorado Springs?
The air pollution that people in Colorado Springs inhale on a daily basis comes from a myriad of sources: factories, vehicle emissions, buildings and homes, as well as fossil fuel power generating facilities.
Which city in Colorado has the best air quality?
Real-time Colorado Cleanest city ranking
| # | city | US AQI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arvada | 0 |
| 2 | Broomfield | 0 |
| 3 | Louisville | 0 |
| 4 | Monument | 0 |
What allergens are high in Colorado Springs?
Oak trees produce a lot of pollen in Colorado Springs from April through the end of June, peaking in May. These types of trees often cause the yellow-green dust you may find covering outdoor surfaces.
Is Colorado Springs a clean city?
Colorado Springs ranked number 13 for Cleanest U.S. Cities for Year-round Particle Pollution while Pueblo/Cañon City came in at number 7. “Particle pollution is made of soot or tiny particles that come from coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires and wood-burning devices.
What city has the worst air pollution?
Most Polluted Cities | State of the Air
| Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA | los-angeles-long-beach-ca.html | 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | bakersfield-ca.html | 2 |
| Visalia, CA | visalia-ca.html | 3 |
| Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA | fresno-madera-hanford-ca.html | 4 |
| Phoenix-Mesa, AZ | phoenix-mesa-az.html | 5 |
What is the air quality like in Colorado Springs today?
Fair
The air quality is generally acceptable for most individuals.
What is the Colorado Clean air Act?
The new law eliminates exemptions that have allowed smoking in small workplaces, hotels, and long-term care facilities. It also prohibits the use of electronic smoking devices in smokefree venues. The law took effect July 1, 2019.
What pollution is in the air?
These six pollutants are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter), and sulfur oxides.