Air Quality
Delta County Public Health works with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to keep an eye on our local air quality, specifically tiny airborne dust and smoke particles called PM2.5 and PM10.
Sources of PM:
- PM10: Primarily generated from windblown dust and soil from roads, fields, and construction sites. Also comes from automobile and diesel engine exhaust, wood fires, and combustion sources.
- PM2.5: A subset of PM10, these finer particles can be directly emitted from sources like forest fires or form when gases from power plants, industries, and automobiles react in the air.
Where does this dust and smoke come from?
- PM10 (bigger particles): Think of dust from dirt roads, fields, and construction, plus exhaust from cars, trucks, and wood fires.
- PM2.5 (tiny particles): These are even smaller, mainly from wildfires, or from gases released by power plants, factories, and vehicles reacting in the air.
You can see this information on the Colorado Air Quality Monitoring Sites Map, Air Quality Index (AQI). Special equipment in Delta County constantly checks, predicts, and breaks down our air quality data, making sure we have accurate and up-to-date information for everyone.
EPA's Air Quality Index Scale (AQI). In most cases, residents can use the visibility column to assess air quality in their areas. The table below shows how the system is applied:
| Air Quality Category (AQI) | 24-Hr PM2.5 (µg/m3) | 1-Hr PM2.5 (µg/m3)1 | Visibility (miles)2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | 0.0 - 12.0 | 0.0 - 40.0 | 10 or more miles |
| Moderate | 12.1 - 35.4 | 40.1 - 80.0 | 5-10 miles |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | 35.5 - 55.4 | 80.1 - 175.0 | 3-5 miles |
| Unhealthy | 55.5 - 150.4 | 175.0 - 300.0 | 1.5 - 3 miles |
| Very Unhealthy | 150.5 - 250.4 | 300.1 - 500.0 | 1. - 1.5 miles |
| Hazardous | ≥250.5 | ≥500.1 | ≤1 mile |
AQI Key:
Good: 0-50
Moderate: 51-100
Unhealthy (for Sensitive Groups): 101-150
Unhealthy: 151-200
Very Unhealthy: 201-250
Hazardous: 251-300
Air Quality Conditions alert page
The Colorado Smoke Blog tells us about wildfire smoke advisories. During wildfire season, it's really important to know if smoke will be a problem in our area.
Great information from Air Now - when smoke is in the air
You can also check Purple Air monitors specifically for the Delta area for more local readings.
Want more information? Check these links:
- Delta County Burning Restrictions: For rules about burning in our area.
- Colorado Air Quality Control Commission Report: A state report on air quality.
- Air Pollution Control Division : The main state agency for air pollution.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The national agency for environmental protection.
The details Wildfire Smoke Health Advisories throughout the state. During the active wildfire season, it is important for citizens and communities to be aware of potential smoke issues in their area.