Living in Southwest Colorado gives us a sense of security when it comes to our air quality. Yet, we hear about mercury-laden fish in our lakes, high ground level ozone, and regional haze/visibility pollution in Mesa Verde National Park. Recently, San Juan Basin Health issued a health advisory due to prescribed burns in the area.
Large prescribed burns and open burning in general emit a number of pollutants, mostly measured as fine, breathable particles known as PM 2.5. Our area used to have an air quality monitor that specifically measured these types of particulates. However it was removed five years ago due to state budget cuts. The Department is actively campaigning for another one. The PM 2.5 monitor would quantify contaminants providing a specific level of health risk; and help measure other very fine combustion particulates – including engine and coal smoke - which contribute to degradation of our air shed.
Ground-level or "bad" ozone also contributes to local air quality degradation. Rather than being emitted directly into the air, it’s created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC. Locally there is added concern about the cumulative emissions from regional power plants and the interstate gas industry.
Farmington, New Mexico and Mesa Verde are at risk for exceeding standards of ground level ozone. Other sites, maintained by the Southern Ute tribe, nearly approach these levels. If points all around us are at such levels, where is Durango? An ozone monitor is needed here, particularly as it’s the most populous area and community members have a right to know local ozone conditions.
Breathing ozone can trigger varied health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion, according to the EPA. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. "Bad" ozone also can reduce lung function. Healthy people also experience difficulty breathing when exposed to ozone pollution. Because ozone forms in hot weather, anyone who spends time outdoors in the summer may be affected, particularly children, outdoor workers and people exercising.
Ground-level ozone also damages vegetation and ecosystems. It increases susceptibility to diseases, pests and other stresses such as harsh weather. Tree foliage is also damaged, affecting the landscape of cities, national parks, forests, and recreation areas.
It’s essential to have monitoring of each pollutant so that we know what’s going on in our area. This would enable us to provide timely health alerts as well as provide clear data on which to base control measures or policy decisions. Maintaining a vigilant watch over air quality is crucial to protecting our health, quality of life and this irreplaceable environment we call home.
Action: Write your elected officials with your concerns.
Information: Four Corners Air Quality Task Force: www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb/4C/index.html
www.airnow.gov/ For kids: www.epa.gov/students/air.htm
Interagency Monitoring of Visual Environments: vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/Default.htm
This article appears in the June 4, 2008 Durango Herald as part of our monthly column. Creating Community column actually appears each Wednesday with other Columbine Center agencies -- Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center, Communty Connections, and the United Way each contributing a monthly column.
