A new report from the American Lung Association examines the health impact of air pollution from industrial facilities in Colorado and proposes solutions to reduce harmful emissions. The report, titled “Clean Heat, Clean Air: Health Benefits of Modern Industrial Technologies,” evaluates how modernizing manufacturing processes with cleaner heating technologies could lead to significant public health improvements in the state.
The analysis details that facilities involved in producing common goods—such as food, paper, and clothing—often rely on burning fossil fuels or wood for heat. This combustion process emits pollutants including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can affect lung health and are particularly concerning for people living near these sites.
Will Barrett, senior director of nationwide advocacy for clean air at the American Lung Association, highlighted ongoing air quality issues in the region. “Colorado has significant air pollution challenges to overcome, and modern industrial technologies will play an increasingly important role. According to the ‘State of the Air’ report, three Colorado metro areas are among the Top 25 Most Polluted Cities for ozone pollution, with the Denver area ranking 6th; Fort Collins, 13th; and Colorado Springs, 23rd. Ongoing efforts to cut pollution from industrial facilities will be a crucial step in our efforts to clean the air in Colorado,” said Barrett.
According to findings cited by the association, industrial sources contribute nearly one-fourth of all greenhouse gas emissions nationally. This places them as the third-largest contributor behind transportation and electricity generation sectors. In addition to carbon emissions, these facilities also release other substances that can trigger asthma attacks and cardiovascular problems.
The report estimates that updating equipment across U.S. industrial sites could save lives and reduce health incidents such as asthma attacks by 2050 if cleaner heating methods are adopted broadly.
“Burning fossil fuels, biomass or other fuels to power industrial heat processes releases harmful pollutants into the air we all breathe, contributing to asthma, heart attacks, strokes and other health emergencies. The Lung Association has long championed the transition away from outdated combustion technologies in transportation, power generation and homes. Supporting the transition to modern industrial clean heat is vital to advancing our organization’s mission to protect lung health and ensure everyone has access to clean air,” states another section of commentary from the association.
For more information or access to the full report detailing these recommendations and projected benefits for public health through adopting clean heat technologies in industry, readers can visit Lung.org/clean-heat.
