Air quality alerts were in place for parts of California and Colorado on Tuesday, with local authorities urging residents in affected areas to take steps to reduce air pollution.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an ozone action day alert for the Front Range Urban Corridor. The highest chance for elevated ozone levels is in the western parts of the Denver metro area, including Golden.
“If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Ozone concentrations could reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category Tuesday afternoon and evening,” the alert read.
Why It Matters
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone exposure can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, throat discomfort and pain during deep breaths. It can inflame and damage airways, weaken defenses against infections, and worsen chronic lung issues like asthma, emphysema and bronchitis…