Springtime in places like Grand Junction, Colorado, can bring more than just blooming flowers and warm breezes. Officials are raising alarms about worsening air quality due to seasonal factors like burning and gusty winds. With the air getting hazy and heavy, experts are urging residents—especially those with asthma and allergies—to take precautions to stay safe and healthy.

Delta County Public Health (DCPH) has stepped up with practical advice for navigating these tricky days when stepping outside feels a bit like stepping into a fog of pollutants.

Why Spring Air Quality Gets Worse—and What That Means for You

Every year, as temperatures rise, so does the chance of poor air quality in this region. It’s not just the pollen making life tough; it’s also the smoke and dust kicked up by high winds and local burning. These particles can hang around, especially in valleys like Grand Junction, trapping pollutants close to the ground.

People with asthma or other respiratory issues feel this the hardest. When the air is thick with irritants, their symptoms can flare up quickly. But even folks without chronic lung problems might notice a scratchy throat, watery eyes, or a cough that just won’t quit.

DCPH’s Environmental Health Director, Samantha Traubel, put it plainly: “Knowing how to prevent those illnesses from getting worse and keeping themselves safe and healthy is important.” The message is clear—don’t take the air quality lightly, especially if you or someone in your family relies on inhalers or allergy meds.

Simple Steps to Keep Indoor Air Cleaner

When the outdoors feels less than friendly, home is where you can regain control over the air you breathe. Officials recommend a few straightforward measures to improve indoor air quality:

• Keep windows and doors shut to block outside pollutants.

• Use air purifiers if you have them; even a fan with a HEPA filter can make a difference.

• Check and replace air filters regularly in your HVAC system.

• Avoid activities that pollute indoor air, like smoking or burning candles.

These small efforts can help make a big difference, especially during days when the Air Quality Index (AQI) hits the unhealthy range.

You don’t have to be a scientist to keep track of when air quality dips. There are easy-to-use websites and apps that update hourly, letting you plan your day accordingly.

Who’s Most at Risk—and What They Should Know

Here’s the deal: not everyone is affected the same way. Kids, older adults, and people with chronic lung diseases are the most vulnerable. If you fit into one of these groups—or care for someone who does—it’s a good idea to be extra cautious.

In fact, DCPH stresses that those with asthma or severe allergies should always have their inhalers or allergy medications on hand. Sudden exposure to poor air can trigger attacks or reactions fast. It’s a bit like carrying an umbrella on a cloudy day—you hope you won’t need it, but you’re glad it’s there.

But what about folks who aren’t in those groups? Even if you feel fine, it’s smart to avoid heavy outdoor exercise during bad air days. Breathing hard only pulls more pollutants deep into your lungs, which isn’t exactly a recipe for feeling good later.

Tracking Air Quality: What You Should Watch For

You might wonder, how do you know when the air outside is too risky? Luckily, the Air Quality Index (AQI) offers a handy way to measure pollution levels. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Monitoring this index can help you decide when to stay indoors or cut back on physical activity.

The Community’s Role and What’s Next

Local authorities aren’t just handing out advice and walking away. Delta County Public Health is working with community leaders to spread awareness and improve responses when air quality dips. They want to make sure people understand that air pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a public health concern.

“We talk about air pollution and how it affects us,” Traubel said, “but you know, knowing how to prevent and be able to help our individuals who have asthma and those underlying chronic conditions… is important.”

Efforts include improving the accuracy of air quality monitoring and advising residents on the best ways to protect themselves. There’s also an emphasis on reducing activities that worsen pollution during vulnerable periods, like open burning.

For now, the best thing you can do is stay informed. Check your local air quality reports daily. If the air looks rough, think twice before stepping out for a jog or a long walk. And remember to keep your medicines close if you need them.

After all, breathing easy isn’t something we should take for granted.