Particulate Pollution Posing Problems

Ozone is not causing problems in Denver this winter, instead it's the particulate pollution.

Yesterday, fine particle pollution exceeded federal health standards in downtown Denver. Fine particles are less than 2.5 microns in diameter. That's 1/28 the size of a human hair. They're spewed into the air by smokestacks and tailpipes.

Fine particle pollution is linked to premature death, poor lung function among children, and heart disease.

Fine particle levels in Denver averaged 43 micrograms per cubic meter yesterday. Federal health standards are set at 35 micrograms per cubic meter over a 24-hour period.

While Denver's smog pollution continues to be the greatest health threat to people living in the metro region, particulate pollution is proving to be yet another danger to clean air.