'Ozone Action Day' alerts appearing along Texas roads. What it means

Cars travel down I-35 in downtown Austin during the evening rush hour, June 16.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman

Ozone Action Day alerts have been popping up across Texas, and over the last few months, Texas officials have warned residents in the metro areas across the state — including Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth and El Paso — about high pollution levels, encouraging them to minimize their impact.

The alerts are issued when ozone levels are expected to reach levels that are "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or higher.

On Ozone Action Days, there are many steps that can reduce exposure to unhealthy air and minimize air pollution generation.

How to reduce exposure to unhealthy air

On Ozone Action Days, it's important to take precautions to limit exposure, especially if you are sensitive to ozone pollution, according to Air Central Texas.

• Reduce the amount of time that you spend outside.
• Try not to exert yourself when outdoors.
• Make sure that your A/C filter is properly maintained.

Who is part of sensitive groups?

• Children and teenagers
• Older adults
• Adults with respiratory or cardiovascular illness
• Outdoor workers

How to minimize outdoor pollution

• Reduce car travel
• Avoid idling - skip the drive-through lanes and turn off the vehicle while waiting for curbside pickup
• Reschedule lawn care
• Reschedule commute time to later in the morning on Ozone Action Day to avoid adding your vehicle’s emissions to the time of day that will have the highest impact on ozone formation
• Avoid outdoor cooking
• Avoid portable generator use