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RECENT STORIES

Summer Ozone Season Begins June 1
Contributed by: Chandra Brin on 6/2/2008

Front Range residents asked to take simple steps
to help reduce ground-level ozone for the health of all.

Denver (June 2, 2008) - Summer ozone season officially begins June 1 for the Front Range region.

In August 2007, Denver violated the EPA ozone guidelines, making it even more important this summer for local residents, businesses and industry to do their part to help reduce ground-level ozone to meet federal air quality standards in 2008 and reduce the health risks associated with ozone pollution.

At ground level, ozone pollution can be harmful to everyone, especially the young and the elderly. The highest ozone levels are usually recorded in summer months when temperatures approach the high 80s and 90s and when the wind is stagnant or light.

"Last year's violation put a spotlight on Colorado's summer air quality," said Ken Lloyd, executive director of the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC). "The summer ozone season is a critical time and, because ozone comes from so many various sources, everyone must do their part, especially on Ozone Action Alert days when conditions are ripe for the formation of ozone."

An Ozone Action Alert day is called by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) when weather conditions can lead to unhealthy ground-level ozone concentrations in the metropolitan Denver and Front Range region.

Ground-level ozone pollution is formed when emissions from everyday items combine with other pollutants and "cook" in the heat and sunlight. Sources of such emissions include local industry, gasoline-powered vehicles and lawn equipment, and household paints, stains and solvents.
Ozone can trigger attacks and symptoms in people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory infections. High levels of ozone pollution often affect healthy people who work or exercise outdoors and can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation and reduced resistance to lung infections and colds with exposure for prolonged periods.

For the third straight year, the Regional Air Quality Council and its partners are kicking off the "Summer Chill" campaign to help increase awareness of ground-level ozone and asking residents to "chill" on hot summer days - that is, to avoid activities that can cause ground-level ozone pollution such as driving, mowing the lawn and painting or staining projects.

At events throughout the summer and on the campaign's Web site www.OzoneAware.org, residents can take a pledge to chill - a promise to drive less, mow the lawn after 5 p.m. and refuel vehicles in the evenings. These small steps are critical to keeping ground-level ozone in check on Ozone Action Alert days.

Ozone-causing emissions come from a wide range of sources. Actions Front Range residents can take to reduce ground-level ozone include:
• Drive less - walk when you can, group errands, take public transit and carpool whenever possible.
• Mow in the evening after 5 p.m.
• Refuel in the evening after 5 p.m.
• "Stop at the click" - do not overfill gas tanks when refueling.
• Keep vehicles regularly maintained.
• Tighten gas caps after refueling.
• Use new, earth-friendly lawn equipment.
• Avoid solvent-based products;.use water-based paint, stain and sealants.
• Sign up for Ozone Action Alerts.
For additional information on ground-level ozone, please visit www.OzoneAware.org or the RAQC's Web site at www.raqc.org or call (303) 629-5450.

About Regional Air Quality Council
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality planning agency for the seven-county Denver metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council's main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, business, and local governments. The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region.
# # #
CONTACT: Sandi Garcia
Communications Manager, RAQC
(303) 629-5450, ext. 220
sgarcia@raqc.org


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Chandra Brin

Denver , CO

Chandra Brin has posted 49 stories and 0 comments since joining on 5/14/2008. Chandra Brin 's average story rating is 5.
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