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Jul 21, 2008 4:07 pm US/Mountain

Recent Ozone Levels Hurting Coloradans' Health

Reporting
Dr. Dave Hnida
DENVER (CBS4) ― Colorado's recent heat wave may be taking a toll on some peoples' health. Combine the heat with smoke from fires and that makes a bad combination.

Ozone is a substance produced when pollutants mix with heat and sunlight forming a toxic gas which can't be seen or smelled, but it can do a number on one's airways. It's especially harmful to the very young, very old, or those who have heart or respiratory problems.

Levels have been especially high the last few days. Adding to the problem is smoke from a wildfire along the Front Range as well as smoke carried by fires on the West Coast.

The symptoms are as follows:

Mild:

• Irritated eyes
• Congestion
• Scratchy throat which is often mistaken for an allergy

More Severe Symptoms:

• Bad cough
• Short of breath

"Most ozone comes from industry (and) a good portion from autos," CBS4 Medical Editor Dr. Dave Hnida said.

To avoid problems, do the following:

• Avoid exertion outdoors between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• No lawn mowing from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fill car up with gas at other time of day, not between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Drive less

(© MMVIII CBS Television Stations, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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