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Ozone

Unlike the good, protective ozone layer in the upper stratosphere, ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant that affects all of us. It’s formed when emissions from everyday activities (like fueling, painting, solvent use, driving, lawn mowing, and industrial emissions) combine with other pollutants and “cook” in the heat and sunlight to form ozone.

Ozone continues to be a serious health issue and air pollution concern in Boulder County, and the nine-county Denver region. In November 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tightened the national ozone standard. Currently (summer 2009), five monitors along the Denver Metro Area/North Front Range indicate ozone levels that significantly exceed the new ozone standard, including the monitor in south Boulder.