Air Quality
What is the air quality like in downtown Denver?
Denver is the thirteenth most polluted city in the nation. This has to do with its location. Since downtown Denver is at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, it is prone to temperature inversions. The air pollution hanging over the city was nicknamed the "brown cloud" in 1970.
This pollution does not violate federal health standards. The Environmental Quality Division has been using computer models to predict concentrations of the air pollutants. Inhalation of major air pollutants can decrease lung function.
Industrial sources have been required to install pollution controls.
Did you know that because of Denver's altitude and air quality, it is easier to get drunk? Alcoholic drinks can sometimes feel 1.5 to 3 times more potent when in the Mile High City. When alcohol is present in the blood, it interferes with hemoglobin's absorption of oxygen. Higher altitudes have less oxygen in the air, so the effect is magnified.
Exposure to ozone can also decrease lung function and increase blood pressure. This is more of a problem during the summer. Ozone in the Earth's upper atmosphere protects life from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. But, when there are high concentrations in Earth's lower atmosphere, this is hazardous to life.
How can you protect yourself against ozone?
Get in the habit of checking the Air Quality Index before you plan the days activities. Look at the chart to the right to understand what the colors indicate. Conserving energy is also important. Fill up the gas tank in your car early in the morning or late in the evening. Limit your driving and use public transit. On days where the ozone level is very high, try and stay indoors.
Denver is the thirteenth most polluted city in the nation. This has to do with its location. Since downtown Denver is at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, it is prone to temperature inversions. The air pollution hanging over the city was nicknamed the "brown cloud" in 1970.
This pollution does not violate federal health standards. The Environmental Quality Division has been using computer models to predict concentrations of the air pollutants. Inhalation of major air pollutants can decrease lung function.
Industrial sources have been required to install pollution controls.
Did you know that because of Denver's altitude and air quality, it is easier to get drunk? Alcoholic drinks can sometimes feel 1.5 to 3 times more potent when in the Mile High City. When alcohol is present in the blood, it interferes with hemoglobin's absorption of oxygen. Higher altitudes have less oxygen in the air, so the effect is magnified.
Exposure to ozone can also decrease lung function and increase blood pressure. This is more of a problem during the summer. Ozone in the Earth's upper atmosphere protects life from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. But, when there are high concentrations in Earth's lower atmosphere, this is hazardous to life.
How can you protect yourself against ozone?
Get in the habit of checking the Air Quality Index before you plan the days activities. Look at the chart to the right to understand what the colors indicate. Conserving energy is also important. Fill up the gas tank in your car early in the morning or late in the evening. Limit your driving and use public transit. On days where the ozone level is very high, try and stay indoors.