With high ozone levels looming this summer, parents should be aware that their children are one of the most susceptible groups to the health hazards of ozone. Children spend 50 percent more time outdoors in the summer months than adults do. This extended exposure on days with high ozone concentrations can lead to respiratory infections and reduced resistance to summer colds, even in healthy kids.

Plus for the 89,000 children in Colorado age one to 14 affected by asthma, the risks of an attack or irritation are even higher. Since children have a higher breathing rate, more ozone pollution is delivered to their lungs than to the lungs of adults. With all these factors combined, it’s important parents are aware of the ozone conditions on a daily basis and modify their behavior as well as their children’s activities if an Ozone Action Alert has been issued.

So, what can parents do to protect their children?

1. If your child has asthma, familiarize yourself with his/her asthma action plan and when to use an inhaler.

2. Limit outdoor activity for highly sensitive children on Ozone Action Alert days or schedule outdoor activities for mornings and evenings.

3. Choose lower impact activities on Ozone Action Alert days, like walking instead of running.

4. Limit ozone-emitting activities especially on alert days.

Sources of ozone emissions include local industry, gasoline-powered vehicles and lawn equipment, and household paints, stains and solvents. To reduce your ozone emitting activities, families can:

1. Drive less

2. Run errands after work (instead of in the heat of the day)

3. Keep your vehicle well maintained

4. Avoid idling (park the car instead of using the drive through)

5. Refuel in the evening

6. Use paints and stains with low VOCs

7. Stop at the click when refueling

8. Mow in the evening

9. Tightly cap solvents and store in a cool, dry place

10. Check your tire pressure

Making these changes will not only help your children breath easier this summer, but for years to come. Make sure you are aware of the current Ozone Action Alert conditions by listening to your local meteorologists, as they will be notifying the public of Ozone Action Alert days when ozone levels are forecasted to reach unhealthy levels. You can also visit ozoneaware.org to sign up for the Ozone Action Alerts delivered directly to your email or call the 24-hour hotline number at 303-758-4848.

-Heather Hutchinson