NEWS RELEASE
Rising Smog Signals Dangerous Trends in Denver Metro Area
Report Finds That so far in 2007, Smog Pollution Has Skyrocketed to Unhealthy Levels
For Immediate Release: May 14, 2007
For More Information Contact: Jeremy Nichols, Director, Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action, (303) 454-3370;
Report and Data Online: On Track for Disaster?
Denver—Ozone, the key ingredient of smog, is climbing to unhealthy levels more often in the Denver metro area according to On Track for Disaster?, an analysis of ozone trends between January 1 and May 13 released today by Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action. The report indicates that if trends continue, 2007 may be one of the smoggiest years in recent history, potentially leading to violations of federal health standards and unprecedented health risks.
"Smog has skyrocketed and trends show this will only continue," said Jeremy Nichols, Director of Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action. "Our children are depending on us to take action to keep smog in check and our air as safe as possible."
The Denver metro area encompassing everywhere from Douglas County north to Fort Collins and Greeley, has suffered excessive ozone pollution for several years and is now on the verge of violating federal health standards. Ozone forms when air pollutants react with sunlight and is linked to a number of negative health effects. Even at low levels, ozone is a serious health threat. Although federal regulations limit concentrations to no more than 80 parts per billion over an 8-hour period, the latest health science recommendations show concentrations at or above 60 parts per billion pose health risks.
The report analyzes ozone pollution trends between January 1 and May 13 at 11 Denver metro area monitors. The intent of the report is to gauge springtime trends in ozone and assess where 2007 is ranked in comparison to prior years. The results are striking and show that between 2000 and 2007: Average daily ozone is rising by as much as 1.5 parts per billion annually; Peak ozone is rising by as much as nearly 2 parts per billion annually; and Fourth highest ozone levels, which are an indication of trends, are consistently rising by 1 part per billion or more annually.
The results also show that between 2006 and 2007, ozone has increased on average 8.75% throughout the Denver metro area between January 1 and May 13. So far, 2007 is smoggier than at the same time in 2006.
The number of days with unhealthy ozone are also rising substantially. Ozone levels have reached or exceeded 60 parts per billion 53 times so far in 2007. By this time in 2006, ozone had reached these levels only 24 times.In fact, so far in 2007, ozone levels have peaked at or above 70 parts per billion at seven monitors. By this time in 2006, ozone levels reached 70 parts per billion at only one monitor.
At the Welch monitor located in southwestern Lakewood, ozone levels have peaked at 72 parts per billion in 2007. Since 2000, ozone levels have not even reached 60 parts per billion at this monitor by May 13.
"Any way you look at smog, the trends so far in 2007 are upward," said Nichols. "If this continues, we can be sure that 2007 will be one of the smoggiest and most unhealthy years in recent times." Although ozone levels are not violating federal health standards, trends coupled with the latest health science show that so far in 2007, people in the Denver metro area have endured some of the most unhealthy air in recent times. To keep 2007 on track for clean air, the report recommends that: The state and metro area health agencies issue health advisories whenever ozone concentrations may reach or surpass 60 parts per billion. Industry fully comply with ozone reduction rules. Additional ways to reduce ozone, such as cutting coal burning power plant pollution, need to be pursued. Citizens need to be engaged and voice support for stronger health standards for ozone.
"Rising smog trends are sounding the alarm," said Nichols. "Action to keep smog in check today will help the Denver metro area breathe easier tomorrow.". (END)
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