Welcome to the JAC Ozone Action Day Page. I'm OZAD, your host.

Ozone Action Days are usually called when ground-level ozone is predicted to approach unhealthful levels and the National ozone standard could be exceeded. TCEQ forecasters and meteorologists are on alert during the ozone season between May 1 - October 31, looking at air quality condition across the state. Each forecast is a simple yes or no prediction for the question, "Will ozone levels reach or exceed a target level for a particular area?"

What conditions are "just right" for ozone formation??

Warm days

Sunlight

Very little wind

The right combination of other pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and a couple of others

What is an Ozone Advisory??

Local television and radio stations alert the public to an ozone action day prediction. On such days, the community can take simple, voluntary actions to help reduce the risk of ground-level ozone. Some symptoms of breathing ground level ozone are chest pain, coughing, nausea, throat irritation, and congestion. It may also aggravate bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and asthma. Children, senior citizens, and those with asthma or other respiratory problems are urged to limit outdoor activities when an ozone action day is predicted.

11 Things You Can Do to Reduce Ozone Formation:

Instead of driving, share a ride, take public transportation, walk or bike.

Keep your car well maintained to limit excess emissions.

If you must drive, avoid excessive idling or jack-rabbit starts, and try to consolidate errands.

Fuel your vehicle after 6 P.M.

Avoid using outboard motors, off-road vehicles, or other gasoline powered recreational vehicles.

Wait to mow your lawn until late evening or the next day.

Avoid using gas powered garden equipment.

Use latex paints instead of oil-based paints, solvents, or varnishes that produce fumes.

If you are barbecuing, use an electric starter instead of charcoal lighter fluid.

Limit or postpone your household chores that will involve the use of consumer products.

Conserve energy to reduce energy needs.