Wildfire Smoke, Ozone Pollution In Front Range: Thursday Forecast

DENVER, CO — Pollution levels in the Front Range and Eastern Plains will improve slightly Thursday, according to the latest state air quality forecast.

Fine particulate matter concentrations from wildfire smoke will be in the 'good' to 'moderate' categories Thursday throughout the region, and visibility will also be in the 'good' to 'moderate' range in Denver, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said.

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the 'moderate' category.

"Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion from noon until 8 pm," the agency's forecast read.

Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels are expected to be in the 'good' category, health officials said.

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Ozone pollution, often called smog, forms when gases that come out of tailpipes and smokestacks, among other sources, come into contact with sunlight. Ozone is one of the most dangerous and widespread pollutants in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association.

Ozone can damage people's airways, make their lungs more susceptible to infection and aggravate lung diseases, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

>> Read the full air quality advisory here.