Millions of people in Texas have been urged to limit their car use and share rides due to potentially unhealthy air pollution levels.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued an Ozone Action Day on Wednesday for the Houston, Galveston and Brazoria areas.
Why It Matters
Elevated ground-level ozone pollution endangers the health of children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions, exacerbating symptoms such as coughing, reduced lung function, and asthma attacks.
According to air quality forecasts, ozone pollutant levels are forecast to reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups on Wednesday.
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What To Know
According to an air quality alert published by the National Weather Service (NWS), atmospheric conditions on Wednesday are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution in Houston, Galveston, and surrounding areas.
“You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive through lanes, conserving energy and keeping your vehicle properly tuned,” it said.
According to the TCEQ, ground-level ozone, or smog, is created when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — released mainly from vehicles, industrial plants, and chemical solvents — react in sunlight.
Summer in Texas often brings stagnant, sunny conditions that accelerate these reactions.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek previously:”Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it’s not emitted directly from sources but is formed through chemical reactions. These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, making warmer months more prone to ozone formation. When air is stagnant, pollutants don’t get dispersed, allowing ozone to build up to unhealthy levels.
“Ozone pollution is often more severe in urban areas where there are higher concentrations of pollutants from sources like cars, power plants, and industrial activities.”
Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, told Newsweek previously thatthere are “very clear links” between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
He added that conditions such as asthma are exacerbated by exposure to air pollution.
What Happens Next
The TCEQ provides Ozone Action Day notifications one day in advance when conditions are expected to favor elevated ozone levels. This is so that “citizens, businesses, and industry can take steps to reduce the pollutants that contribute to ozone formation.”
The Ozone Action Day alert remains in force throughout Wednesday.