Air quality in the Denver metro area took a turn for the worse Tuesday as an increase in particulates triggered reduced visibility, indoor burning restrictions and a health warning.
An “Action Day for Particulates and Visibility” is now in effect, Colorado Air Quality announced at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The air quality program, part of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said poor visibility and an “exceedance of the state visibility standard” are expected through 4 p.m. Wednesday.
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A strong weather inversion, along with atmospheric mixing and ventilation — an upward and downward movement of air resulting from temperature gradients — is to blame for the “poor” air.
The “poor air quality” late-afternoon Tuesday has lead to indoor burning restrictions in the following counties: Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, Jefferson, and in areas west of Kiowa Creek in Adams and Arapahoe counties.
A burning ban exemption is allowed if indoor burning is the primary source of heat and an exemption letter has been issued from the state or a local jurisdiction. Phase II EPA-certified stoves are certified or approved as exempt.
Health officials, as part of the poor air quality declaration, ask that residents limit driving in the effected areas.
People with respiratory symptoms, including those with heart or lung disease and sensitive people, including seniors, should “consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion,” the health department said.
