COVID-19 and Reducing Air Pollution in Adams County

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The Economic Value of Health Benefits from Improved Air Quality

Rayna Hetlage, MPH, Health Policy Analyst
Jeremy Albright, MA, Research Manger

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inequities in our society, including those that we often take for granted, such as our access to clean air. The 80216 zip code where many residents are minorities and the area has been regarded as the most polluted zip code in the United States. Residents of Commerce City have to contend with multiple sources of pollutants in their backyard including two major interstates and an oil refinery. This, unfortunately, is not uncommon and people of color are more likely to live in communities that are polluted. Our team has published a report that looks at how air quality affects Coloradans and the economic benefits of taking action to improve the air we breathe. You can access the full report below.