Bernalillo County recorded 23 unhealthy ozone days from 2017 to 2019.
The air pollution is concerning in a state with high rates of respiratory illnesses, said JoAnna Strother, ALA’s senior advocacy director.
About 12% of Bernalillo County residents have some form of lung disease, such as asthma, COPD or lung cancer.
“Ozone acts like a sunburn to the lungs, and can cause breathing issues, asthma attacks, respiratory and cardiovascular attacks,” Strother said. “Even healthy people can experience shortness of breath and coughing when these pollutants are high.”
Doña Ana County recorded 66 high-level ozone days from 2017 to 2019.
Three were “red level” ozone days, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard used when air is unhealthy for all residents.