Ozone Action Day in Effect

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has declared today, Thursday, October 10, an Ozone Action Day. The Ozone Action Day will be in effect for Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Victoria areas.

To check the air quality index at any time, visit https://www.cctexas.com/detail/airquality.

Recommendations for sensitive groups-such as children, the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions, and individuals who spend six or more hours outdoors regularly-suggest minimizing exposure by choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the time spent outdoors. At-risk populations may experience health effects such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation, and lung damage.

Here are some tips to limit ozone formation:

• Limit driving and idling; instead, carpool, combine errands, use public transportation, bike, or walk.
• Refuel your vehicle in the late afternoon or evening, and don't top off the tank. Keep your vehicle maintained, including proper tire pressure.
• Postpone yard work until after 6 p.m. Maintain your yard equipment, including changing the oil and replacing air filters regularly. Also, consider using tools without motors. Hand tools such as shears, edgers, and push reel mowers are lightweight, quiet, easy to use, and do not generate emissions.
• Don't burn yard waste.

For educational information about ozone, go to: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/ozonefacts.html.

Media representatives may contact Public Information Officer Cassandra Hinojosa at 361-826-2944 or [email protected].