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Ozone Action Day: Texas Traffic Alerts

Ozone Action Days are issued when ozone levels spike and are unhealthy for vulnerable people.

Published August 7, 2024 at 9:36am by Brandi D. Addison


Texans are being warned about high pollution levels, with Ozone Action Day alerts issued across the state. Over the past few months, areas including Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, and El Paso have been notified of unhealthy air quality, urging residents to take action.

The alerts are triggered when ozone levels are predicted to be "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Here's how you can protect yourself and minimize pollution:

Reduce Exposure to Unhealthy Air

  • Limit time spent outdoors, especially for sensitive groups: children, teenagers, older adults, those with respiratory/cardiovascular illnesses, and outdoor workers.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Ensure your A/C filter is well-maintained.

Minimize Outdoor Pollution

  • Reduce car travel and avoid idling. Skip drive-throughs and turn off your engine while waiting.
  • Reschedule lawn care and outdoor cooking.
  • Plan your commute later in the morning to lower emission impacts on ozone formation.
  • Avoid using portable generators.

Full details on Air Quality alerts here: Air Central Texas.

Read more: 'Ozone Action Day' alerts are popping up on traffic boards across Texas. What they mean