Wildfire Smoke, Ozone Pollution In Front Range: Update

DENVER, CO — Pollution levels in the Front Range and Eastern Plains remain elevated, according to the latest state air quality forecast.

Fine particulate matter concentrations from California wildfire smoke will be in the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' category in the afternoon and evening throughout the region Friday, and visibility will be in the 'extremely poor' to 'poor' categories in Denver, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said.

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the 'moderate' to 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' range Friday.

"Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion from noon until 10 PM throughout the Front Range on Friday," 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.