👉 Colorado fumes, also known as Colorado dust or Colorado haze, refer to a type of air pollution that primarily affects the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA. These fumes are composed of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, which are released from various sources including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and natural sources like wildfires and volcanic ash. The term "Colorado fumes" gained prominence due to the severe air quality issues that led to health concerns and restrictions on outdoor activities in the region, particularly during the summer months when the pollutants accumulate in the valley due to temperature inversions. These conditions trap the pollutants near the ground, leading to poor visibility and respiratory problems for residents and visitors alike.
