Air Quality Awareness Week reminds residents to check conditions

Air quality directly affects the health and wellness of our community. Air pollution is  one of the greatest environmental risks to health. By working to reduce air pollution levels, we can reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. By monitoring air quality conditions, our team at Mesa County Public Health can notify the community and act quickly when there are broad concerns. National Air Quality Awareness Week is a time to highlight the importance of protecting and improving air quality.  

“Air is essential for us to live. Breathing gives us the energy to eat, grow, and live life! We breathe about 2,000 gallons of air each day, so we want to make sure the air we breathe every day can help keep us healthy. Part of our job is to let community members know about precautions they can take when air quality is a concern. Air pollution affects everyone’s health, but it can impact people who struggle with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory issues even more,” said Environmental Health Manager Sally Born.

Tools to Monitor Air Quality

Our team uses local data to help inform the community about current air quality conditions and any changes that are expected. We rely on data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA), as well as sensors that volunteers place at their homes or businesses to measure pollutants in the air. We have several tools on our website, including a link to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) air quality data and the Purple Air Sensor Map that shows air quality at different locations in the Grand Valley using those sensors. People can also check out cameras that show real-time visibility conditions. 

“Air quality can change quickly, so it’s important for people to check our website on a regular basis, especially if  you’re planning an outdoor activity,” said Born. “We can all help improve air quality as a community with small actions like driving less, or composting instead of burning yard waste.”

Burn Permit Update

People who have burn permits also need to know air conditions to make sure it’s safe to burn.  We issue the permits to protect the health and safety of our residents, and to reduce pollution in Mesa County. The spring open burn season recently finished in the City of Grand Junction. It continues through May 31 for residential permit holders in Mesa County. Agricultural permit holders in Mesa County may burn year round, provided conditions are okay for open burning. If you have questions about permits or need help with the process, call us at 970-248-6900.