Site Directory	Summertime Ozone Pollution
	Ozone pollution is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from local industry, our cars, and even our lawnmowers contribute to ozone formation. At ground level, ozone is harmful to all of us. Ozone pollution can cause breathing problems and respiratory infections in the elderly, the young, and those with pre-existing ailments. Even healthy people who exercise or work outdoors can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone.

During the summer of 1999, the Regional Air Quality Council, along with state and local governments, businesses, and citizens launched a summer ozone education effort.  The program's goal is to inform people about ways they can help to reduce ozone pollution.  Our 1999 , 2000,  2001 and 2002 Summary Reports detail the progress and outcomes of RAQC's Voluntary Ozone Reduction Program from the past four years.

The RAQC's 2004 Voluntary Ozone Reduction Program includes:

Issuing Ozone Action Alerts-This is similar to the winter alert system and is designed to warn people in advance of potential high ozone days and to encourage changes in ozone-contributing behaviors.  Alerts are issued to local governments, businesses, and citizens when the potential exists for elevated ozone levels.

"Repair Your Air Campaign" - A new program launched in June, 2003 that utilizes remote sensing technology to identify high-polluting vehicles.  Vehicle owners are offered free or discounted repairs as an incentive to fix their vehicles so that they emit less pollution.  

Hosting Car Care Clinics for Cleaner Air - NAPA Auto Parts and the RAQC are teaming up to host several Car Care clinics on April 24. These clinics will offer motorists a free visual inspection, gas cap testing and information on ozone pollution with tips on how citizens can help.  There will also be an opportunity for any motorist who brings in an old gas can to exchange it for a FREE non-spill, non-permeable gas can.  

"Put a Cap on Ozone" Program distributes free gas caps to motorists whose cap tests faulty or is missing. This year, the RAQC is focusing on employer-hosted gas cap fairs at local municipalities across the metro area.  Last year, the Cities of Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Golden, Lakewood, Longmont, and Westminster participated, among others.

Securing voluntary reductions in the Reid Vapor Pressure, or RVP, (volatility) of gasoline through a partnership with the petroleum refining industry.

Reducing gasoline vapor emissions by working with the local petroleum marketers, private fleets, and local governments to distribute stickers for gas pumps that encourage individuals to "stop at the click" when filling up a vehicle at the gas pump.

Local Government operational changes. Many local governments coordinate with Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Public Information departments to change operations and to spread the word about ozone pollution and ways to reduce it.

Using targeted public service announcements on local area radio stations, bus stops, and in movie theatres with different messages on how to reduce ozone pollution in the summertime in both English and Spanish.

Using a variety of other outreach tools such as distribution of flyers, brochures, bookmarks, tire pressure gauges, and bike reflectors, updated a web site, and worked with local governments to display ozone alerts and tips on local cable access television and web sites.

Click here to be added to the Ozone Alert e-mail mailing list. We will send you an e-mail notice when an Ozone Action Alert Day is announced.