Colorado Will Soon Regulate Five 'Priority' Air Toxics

​Colorado has adopted a new rule to regulate five toxic air pollutants linked to serious health issues.

Updated: Feb 20

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission has adopted a new rule identifying five "priority" air toxics for regulation due to their harmful health effects, including cancer, birth defects, and respiratory issues. The identified toxics are benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium compounds, and hydrogen sulfide. These substances are emitted from various sources, such as oil and gas production, medical sterilization, fuel combustion, and industrial activities like cement manufacturing and glass production.


This move follows House Bill 22-1244, which grants Colorado the authority to adopt regulations stricter than those under the federal Clean Air Act. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will propose health-based standards for these toxics in 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for February. CDPHE also plans to seek emission control strategies in a future rulemaking session.


Residents of areas like Denver’s Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, where air pollution has been a longstanding concern, express cautious hope for change. Carla Padilla, a local resident whose family has been affected by pollution, remains optimistic but urges that more action is needed beyond the new rule. Environmental advocates like Harmony Cummings stress the importance of focusing on community health in policy decisions and advocate for stronger enforcement and more stringent regulations in future phases.


The new rule is a significant first step, but ongoing efforts will be necessary to ensure meaningful improvements in air quality and public health. The Air Quality Control Commission will review the list of priority toxics every five years, with the possibility of adding more.


For more, read the full Denver 7 article HERE.