High Levels Of Ozone A Concern In Denver Metro Area
(CBS4) - Wildfires in New Mexico, Arizona, and the Colorado Springs area are messing with the air quality along the Front Range and other areas, so state health experts have put out some advisories for the day. Abundant sunshine and little wind are also adding the recipe of poorer than normal air.
There's not only the hazy skies and smoke, it's higher levels of ozone that are a concern.
And frankly, it's what you can't see that might do you the most harm, specifically microscopic particulates that can make their way deep into your lungs, as well as irritating your eyes, nose and throat.
It's expected to be especially nasty from 2-10 p.m. Thursday, and then it's a wait-and-see situation in the days to come.
So the advice is to limit your outdoor activity if you are elderly, in poor health, or specifically have heart or lung problems -- especially asthma.
Even if you are young and healthy, heading for a bike ride or going for a run may not be the best ideas since you'll be sucking in those particulates as you heave for air.
As for other issues, artificial tears are a good idea for raw eyes; salt water nasal spray for angry nasal passageways, and lots of water for that irritated throat.
LINK: colorado.gov/airquality
Any flare up of symptoms, see your doctor. Otherwise, play it safe and take it slow until this stuff makes its way out of the area.
Dr. Dave Hnida is CBS4's Medical Editor. He blogs about the latest studies and trends in the health world. Read his latest blog entries, check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @drdavehnida
