In 2025, The Denver metro area ranked the sixth most polluted in the nation for the third year in a row.   According to the American Lung Association, contributors include the growth of the Denver metro area, and more cars on the road and gas production. 

 

The Elryia-Swansea/Globeville area in north central/north east contains all four environmental hazards: superfunds, brownfields, polluters, and poor air quality.  In a 2017 study from ATTOM Data Solutions, the area's 80216 zipcode, which we directly serve with our programming at the Bruce Randolph School (6-12 in Denver Public Schools), was ranked as the most polluted zipcode in the country. Residents have higher rates of respiratory issues and cancer, which can be attributed to being in an area that contains all four of the environmental hazards. 

 

The National Institute of Health reports that long-term exposure to extreme environmental factors like pollution can negatively impact mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and the risk for depression.  Additionally, residents of the 80216 zipcode, as well as other zipcodes served by Colorado Treks throughout the city, lack the economic resources to engage in outdoor industry/activities in the state. 

 

Without the resources to obtain equipment, gear, transportation, or participation fees, these residents are left unable to escape the polluted neighborhoods they occupy, exacerbating the effects of the hazards in their lives.