Celebrating Air Quality Awareness Week
As we observe National Air Quality Awareness Week, Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is highlighting the direct impact of air quality on our community's well-being. Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental health risks. Exposure to poor air quality can exacerbate chronic and acute conditions like COPD or asthma and is linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Our team at Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) closely monitors air quality to notify the community and act quickly when there are concerns.
“The average person breathes about 2,000 gallons of air per day, which makes air quality extremely important. At Mesa County Public Health, it’s our responsibility to educate community members about measures they can take to address air quality concerns,” said Chase Boddicker, Environmental Health Specialist.
Tools to monitor air quality
Many things can affect our air quality so MCPH encourages residents to check conditions frequently, especially before outdoor activities. Our team relies on data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) 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 available to the public on our website, including a link to CDPHE’s air quality data and the Purple Air Sensor Map that shows air quality at different locations in the Grand Valley. People can also check camera views that show real-time visibility conditions.
“Many factors affect our air quality, from transportation to open burning, to weather. We encourage residents to check our website on a regular basis, especially if you or your family have existing respiratory conditions,” said Boddicker.
Burn permit update
Burn permit holders also need to be aware of air conditions to make sure it’s safe to burn. We issue the permits to protect the health and safety of our residents, as well as minimize pollution in Mesa County. Spring open burn season for the City of Grand Junction recently ended, however, 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.
