By Madison Pitts, Supervisor Environmental Health at Jefferson County Public Health
Amid the fast-paced demands of our daily routines, it’s easy to overlook the air we breathe. Yet, the quality of the air around us plays a crucial role in our overall well-being and quality of life. In Jefferson County, rapid population growth, a climate-change driven increase in wildfires and unique geography, has led to an increased vulnerability to poor air quality. Committed to protecting air quality in our community, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) has recently launched the Jefferson County Love My Air (JCLMA) program aimed at creating local air monitoring capacity by installing air monitors throughout Jeffco.
The JCLMA program, funded by a grant received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to empower underserved communities in Jefferson County by establishing a local capacity to monitor and address air quality in their community. This initiative involves strategically placing low-cost yet reliable monitoring equipment at various locations throughout the county. In the City of Edgewater, monitors have been placed at Edgewater Collective, Edgewater Civic Center and Jefferson Junior/Senior High School. These devices measure particulate matter 2.5 (PM). Particulate matter is described by experts as the type of air pollution with the greatest impact on human health, causing conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses. It is also the primary pollutant emitted by wildfire smoke.
Residents of underserved communities may be more vulnerable to air pollution because of proximity to air pollution sources such as factories, major roadways or smoke from wildfires. Air monitors help to safeguard air quality, public health and environmental well-being. These devices serve as vigilant guards, continuously assessing and recording the levels of various pollutants present in the air. By offering real-time air quality information, the monitors allow communities to stay updated on possible health risks. The collected data from these air monitors also support research, allowing scientists and policymakers to analyze trends and develop strategies for better air quality.
Jefferson County Love My Air is an extension of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment’s (DDPHE) Love My Air Program. This program goes beyond promoting continuous learning and the sharing of air quality knowledge among stakeholders. It also has a lasting impact on how the world addresses risks and potential harm. Working in partnership with local community groups, JCLMA seeks to provide Jefferson County’s communities with easy-to-access data and information so people can quickly understand what air quality is like at any time so they can take action to reduce exposure to harmful air pollution and protect the health of themselves and their loved ones.
A community’s dedication to monitoring and improving air quality shows commitment to the well-being of its residents, promoting a sense of community and environmental accountability. By caring about, and acting on air quality, we contribute to the collective effort to preserve our environment for future generations, ensuring cleaner air and a world that is healthier for all.
To learn more about the Jefferson County Love My Air program, including air monitors in Edgewater, you can visit JCPH’s Air Quality webpage or the Love My Air Regional Dashboard. Jefferson County residents can also sign-up to receive air quality alerts from through text or email.
About Jefferson County Public Health
Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit https://www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on X (formerly Twitter) @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.
Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.
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