Air Quality

Air Quality Index and Particle Pollution 

Learn more about the AQI and healthy actions here 

Ozone

Ground-level ozone pollution is different than the ozone layer of the atmosphere that protects us from harmful radiation from the sun. When ozone is lower in the atmosphere, it causes harmful pollution. Ground-level ozone pollution is created when oxides of nitrogen (NOX) mix with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. Generally, VOCs are things you can smell like cars, trucks, trains, and busses that run on gas.

Negative impacts of ozone pollution include:  

• Stinging eyes and throat.
• Chest pains.
• Coughing.
• Breathing difficulty.

• Check current ozone levels 

What Can I Do? Here's How to Take Action on Air Quality:
 

Learn more about air quality, ozone, and what you can do to impact and improve it!  

• Learn more and how to  “Love My Air”  
• Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC)

Visit these activity guides for additional information on how and when to adjust your activity levels depending on air quality:  

• Air Quality Guide for Ozone
• Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution

Outdoor Air Quality

Common Sources of Pollution and How to Protect Yourself and Our Community 

Below are some immediate steps you can take to protect your health and to help improve outdoor air quality here in Westminster and the region.  

Wildfires 

• Avoid outdoor physical activities: If you can see it, smell it, or taste it – you shouldn’t breathe it. Face coverings not specifically designed to filter smoke do little to prevent breathing in the fine particles and harmful chemicals transported by wildfire smoke. 

• Purchase an air purifier 

• Keep windows and doors closed and If you have an HVAC system, use the highest level of filtration recommended by the manufacturer and replace filters regularly 

• Check out the National Weather Service air quality smoke forecast 

• Prepare: visit the EPA’s Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires webpage 

Landscaping equipment and care 

• Use an electric lawn mower and earn a rebate through the Mow Down Pollution program 

• Switch other lawn and garden equipment from gas to electric power!  

• Refrain from mowing your lawn until after 5:00 p.m. 

Healthy Transportation 

• Fuel in the early mornings or night: When you fill up your car mid-day, or in the daylight, gas emits oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which mix in the presence of sunlight, forming  ozone. If you fill up your car when it's not sunny (early morning or night) these fumes have time to dissipate and they don’t form ozone.  

• Adjust your driving habits: Take fewer car trips, carpool, use public transportation, telecommute, or walk or bike to your destination 

• Turn off your car instead of idling while waiting. 

• Participate in the EcoPass program to enjoy unlimited rides on most regular RTD transit services, including the SkyRide service to Denver International Airport at no charge 

• Track your travel 

• Drive an Electric Car (EV).  

Burning Wood

• Wood-burning stoves cannot be used during Air Quality Action Days 

• Check local fire restrictions for Jefferson County and Adams County 

• Learn more about the symptoms of wood smoke exposure and environmental impacts of burning wood.