Hold Your Breath Today

Yesterday's pollution readings are in and Denver's fine particle pollution exceeded health standards yet again.

This time, particulate pollution levels at three monitors exceeded the current health standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Here's the readings (in micrograms per cubic meter):

• Downtown Denver: 70
• Chatfield Reservoir: 60
• National Jewish Hospital: 62

Check out yesterday's post for more information on fine particle pollution.

Today, the state issued a red alert because of unhealthy fine particle pollution. A red alert means that "either current air quality is poor or conditions are expected to worsen later in the day or the next day" and that "Active children and adults and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exertion."

Hopefully things will clear up. In the meantime, there's clearly a need for stronger clean air rules in Denver.