The most prevalent problem is dust. New Mexico, having a dry arid climate, has a very loose top soil. Most construction creates dust as well as problems for the surrounding community. Extra steps must be taken to control dust at these sites. Along with construction, expansion of residential areas has brought neighborhoods closer and closer to larger stationary pollution sources.
Carbon monoxide is another essential problem in Albuquerque.
Because of Albuquerque's bowl shaped topography, the denser carbon monoxide gets trapped between the Sandia Mountains in the east, the Rio Grande valley to the west, Manzano Mountains to the south, and a gentle slope to Santa Fe in the north. The carbon monoxide is discharged from automobile tailpipes, wood burning stoves, off road vehicles, construction, and agricultural burning. In 1974, Albuquerque's carbon monoxide levels were higher than the federal standards and thus were in a state of non-attainment. However, the levels were not far off the scale. Within the last six years they have been able to maintain lower levels than the federal air quality standards, thus putting them back into attainment.