Mile High City battles the brown cloud

Only three decades ago, Denver’s air quality trailed Los Angeles, ranking second worst in the country. Today, the Mile High City is meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards as set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. Despite tremendous improvement, the city is battling to continue reducing air pollution as the population swells, construction escalates, the number of automobiles on the roads increase, and oil and gas companies drill ardently to meet consumer demands.

The six most common pollutants are: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and lead. Ground-level ozone, predominant in cities, is usually caused by industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, car exhaust, and chemical solvents.

Who’s to blame for Denver’s infamous brown cloud? Most pundits, including the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission, fault the energy corporations for producing these contaminants. In their defense, industry officials accuse the laggards who still drive of older, gas-guzzling vehicles which don’t adhere to current emissions standards.

Regardless of who or what is responsible for the degradation of Denver’s air quality, people’s health is at risk. When the Air Quality Index is especially high, the Colorado Health Department warns residents to limit their time and activity outdoors, to avoid developing respiratory problems. Young children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.