As environmental authorities caution that Thursday’s weather could result in dangerously high levels of air pollution, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued ozone pollution alerts for four of the state’s largest metro regions.
Ozone Action Day advisories are in effect for Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, and state and municipal authorities are urging citizens to curtail activities that increase pollution.
One of the main ingredients of smog is ground-level ozone, which is created when pollutants from factories, power plants, and automobiles react with sunlight.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that even brief exposure can exacerbate asthma symptoms, cause lung inflammation, and make breathing difficult.
Particularly vulnerable groups include children, the elderly, and people with underlying lung diseases.
Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio are all under the TCEQ’s ozone alerts for April 10.
Each region’s atmospheric circumstances should encourage the development of ozone, with high temperatures, intense sunlight, and light wind frequently linked to higher ozone levels.
The ozone season normally lasts from March to November in Texas.
The cautions follow a similar advisory from the TCEQ for the Houston area, which often experiences significant emissions and ensuing ozone pollution issues, especially during the warmer months.
Residents are being urged by officials to reduce pollution voluntarily.
These include carpooling, walking or using public transportation, avoiding idling in drive-thru lanes, and riding a bike for short distances.
Throughout Texas, the EPA and TCEQ will keep an eye on the quality of the air. More Ozone Action Days might be granted if unfavorable circumstances continue.
Through AirNow.gov, residents can sign up for alerts and follow updates to the local air quality index. If necessary, the next Ozone Action Day will be announced by Thursday at 3 p.m.
Source: Newsweek
