Children, Mothers at Risk from Outdated Carbon Monoxide Standards

Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action joined other health groups today in putting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on notice of an impending lawsuit to strengthen carbon monoxide clean air standards.

The latest science shows that carbon monoxide levels at 1.4 parts per million can lead to low birth weights and other health problems. Current standards allow carbon monoxide to be as high as 9 parts per million.

Carbon monoxide levels in Denver often rise above 1.4 parts per million. In 2006, levels at the downtown Denver air monitor rose above 1.4 parts per million for 39 days. Although the air is deemed "healthy" from a regulatory standpoint, from an actual health standpoint, we're far from healthy air when it comes to carbon monoxide.