Houston Air Quality: What to know about ozone season, pollutants
Houston is in the midst of ozone season, which runs from May 1 to September 30.
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Ozone is a harmful gas that can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. During ozone season, it is important to take steps to protect your health, such as staying indoors on hot, sunny days and avoiding strenuous activity outdoors.
You can also help to reduce ozone levels by driving less and using public transportation or biking whenever possible.
Ozone is formed when sunlight reacts with certain pollutants in the air, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants are released into the air from a variety of sources, including cars, trucks, power plants, and industrial facilities.
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Ozone is a major component of smog, which is a brown haze that can be seen in the air on hot, sunny days. Smog can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Eye irritation
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems are more susceptible to the effects of ozone.
Houston weather: Air Quality Alert extended, hot and dry Thursday evening
Air Quality Alert has been extended once again through Friday evening for the Houston area. That mean ozone levels in the atmosphere will remain elevated which could cause a problem for sensitive groups. Otherwise, we should be fairly quiet this evening and tonight with just a slim chance for a shower or storm. We are getting closer and closer to our holiday weekend! It looks like the weather pattern will remain on the quiet side with just isolated rain possible in the afternoon and near average heat for late May. Look for only a 10% chance for rain Friday through Sunday with rain chances increasing slightly to 20% for Memorial Day on Monday. Better storms chances are expected to return after the Memorial Day holiday. Temperatures are near normal for the next week with highs near 90 and overnight lows near 70. Don't forget to download the FOX 26 Weather App to keep track of your holiday weekend weather no matter where you travel!
During ozone season, it is important to take steps to protect your health:
- Stay indoors on hot, sunny days.
- Avoid strenuous activity outdoors.
- If you must go outside, wear a mask that can filter out ozone.
- Keep your windows closed when the air quality is poor.
- Use air conditioning to filter the air inside your home or office.
- Drive less and use public transportation or biking whenever possible.
You can also help to reduce ozone levels by:
- Walking, biking, or taking public transportation whenever possible.
- Carpooling or vanpooling.
- Maintaining your car properly.
- Using a fuel-efficient car.
- Reducing your use of VOC-emitting products, such as paints, solvents, and cleaning products.
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By taking these steps, you can help to protect your health and the health of your community during ozone season.