Health department resumes ozone pollution notifications

(COLORADO) — The state health department’s Air Pollution Control Division has started its daily air quality forecasts for the summer 2024 season.

Starting Friday, May 31, those who are subscribed to the division’s “ozone frontage” email list will receive daily notifications sharing forecasts for ozone pollution until Saturday, Aug. 31.

“We are committed to empowering Coloradans with the necessary knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their health, exposure, and even contribution to ozone pollution,” said the director of the Air Pollution Control Division Michael Ogletree. “We understand that people cannot always make changes to their daily lives and schedules, but it’s important that this information is only a click away.”

Forecasts will show the ozone levels each day. The division’s meteorologists share daily forecasts with the National Weather Service and the Regional Air Quality Council to reach as many Coloradans as possible.

If a forecast exceeds National Ambient Air Quality Standards on a specific day, the email will say an “Ozone Action Day Alert” is in effect. If forecasts do not show elevated ozone pollution levels, the email will say there is no alert in effect.

“There are many ways each of us can minimize our impact on summertime air quality. These ozone alerts serve as a great resource for helping us take timely, positive actions to reduce pollution,” said the executive director of the Regional Air Quality Council Mike Silverstein. “Whether you sign up for RAQC text or email alerts, or you see a sign on the highway warning about high ozone, be on the lookout for ways to protect your health and improve our air quality this summer.”

In 2023, the division updated its layout to make forecasts more clear concise, and accessible for all Coloradans. The emails include links to information in English and Spanish on the division’s website.

To subscribe, click on the link above.

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