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ENVER - The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a smoke health advisory because of the haze that settled over much of the state, which is from the smoke drifting in from 20 different wildfires to the west, including the large blaze very close to Los Angeles.
- More homes burn, but fire crews make progress
The CDPHE says the smoke health advisory is in place for northwest and north-central Colorado for people with heart disease
, respiratory illnesses, the very young and the elderly.
The 9NEWS Weather Team says Tuesday will probably be the worst day of the week in terms of haziness and things will steadily improve through Friday.
The CDPHE singled out Garfield County as a place where the particles in the air are "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
The health department says the concerning areas are generally north of Interstate 70, but could be as far east as the Front Range. Most of the rest of the state will see moderate levels of particles.
The CDPHE says if visibility in your neighborhood is less than 5 miles, then the smoke has reached levels that are not healthy and you should stay indoors.
Many people are concerned about what the haze could be doing to their lungs and doctors say it really depends on what respiratory problems you might have.
"I thought maybe I decided [that] I started smoking in my sleep or something, I wasn't quite sure why my lungs are so sore," Niki Breigenzer, a runner, said. "I'm almost to five miles, which usually isn't this hard for me as it is today."
Doctors at National Jewish Health say the haze looks much worse than it actually is.
"Right now I don't think the levels are severe enough that it's a major problem, but of course if you are someone that is experiencing symptoms of coughing or breathlessness or irritation of your throat, you know that would be a signal to kind of lay low and take it easy," Dr. David Buether with National Jewish Health said.
National Jewish Health says anytime you're having worsening respiratory symptoms, it's a good idea to touch base with your doctor.
But doctors believe the haze in the air right now will not cause any long term damage.
