Why is carbon monoxide a concern in the Las Vegas Valley?
The Las Vegas Valley’s struggle with carbon monoxide dates back to the early 1980s. In 1985, in fact, the valley logged a record 48 unhealthy air days due to carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide Violation Days by Calendar Year In 1997 the Environmental Protection Agency designated the valley as a serious nonattainment area for carbon monoxide. Nonattainment means an area does not comply with national air quality standards for one of six major air pollutants: carbon monoxide, particulate matter, ozone, lead, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Elevated concentrations of these pollutants beyond federal standards pose health risks. Local and state officials in nonattainment areas are required to demonstrate how they will clean up pollution through a State Implementation Plan or SIP. The plans are developed with input from concerned residents during public meetings. Localities risk losing millions of dollars in federal funding if they fail to draft acceptable plans.
