Houston, TX – Hey, Houston and Galveston! Heads up, because the air quality in our area is not looking great right now. We’re under an Ozone Action Day, which means ground-level ozone levels are higher than usual and could lead to unhealthy air quality through Tuesday evening. If you or someone in your family is sensitive to air pollution, this is definitely something you’ll want to keep an eye on.
What Exactly Is an Ozone Action Day?
When the weather and pollution levels combine, we get something called an Ozone Action Day. Essentially, this is a warning that the air quality is not ideal, and it can be harmful to people who are more sensitive to air pollution, like:
-
Kids, especially those with asthma
-
Older adults
-
Anyone with breathing issues (like asthma or COPD)
-
People with heart conditions
If you’re generally healthy, you might still feel some discomfort, like a scratchy throat or shortness of breath, especially if you’re out and about in the worst of it.
What’s Causing All This Pollution?
So why is the air so bad right now? There are a couple of things that are making the situation worse:
-
Ozone Formation: Ozone is a pollutant that forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from cars, factories, and other sources. With the sun shining bright, the ozone levels are getting higher, and they’re peaking in the afternoon and early evening.
-
Stagnant Weather: The hot temperatures combined with still air are causing pollution to just sit in place, trapping it closer to the ground. Usually, wind can move the pollution around, but right now, it’s just hanging around, making the air quality worse.
Who’s at Risk?
While this affects everyone, there are a few groups that are more vulnerable:
-
People with respiratory conditions: If you have asthma or other lung diseases, you may find it harder to breathe or experience more coughing or wheezing.
-
Children: Kids’ lungs are still developing, and they tend to breathe more air relative to their size, which means they can take in more pollution. This makes them more vulnerable.
-
Older adults, especially those with heart or lung issues, may also struggle to breathe or feel more tired than usual.
How Will It Affect Your Health?
If you’ve got to be outside during an Ozone Action Day, you might notice:
-
Shortness of breath, especially after physical activity
-
Coughing or a dry, scratchy throat
-
Eye irritation, or a feeling of dryness in your eyes
For those with underlying health conditions, it’s important to take extra precautions. If you feel any discomfort or start experiencing chest tightness or difficulty breathing, it’s important to head indoors and take it easy.
How to Protect Yourself During This Ozone Action Day
Even though we can’t control the air quality, there are things you can do to minimize your exposure:
-
Limit Outdoor Activities: If you can, stay inside between noon and 7 p.m., when ozone levels are typically highest. If you must go outside, try to keep it short and avoid strenuous activity like jogging or biking.
-
Keep Your Windows Closed: The easiest way to reduce your exposure at home is to keep windows closed. If you have air conditioning, use it to help filter the air inside. If you don’t, try to stay in well-ventilated indoor spaces as much as possible.
-
Avoid Polluting Activities: If you can, avoid using gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, or idling your car unnecessarily. These activities all contribute to air pollution and make the problem worse.
-
Drink Water: While staying hydrated won’t fix the air quality, it can help your body cope with the stress of breathing in polluted air. It also helps keep your throat from getting too dry or scratchy.
-
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the Air Quality Index (AQI), which will tell you how bad the pollution is and when it’s safe to go outside again. There are several apps and websites that provide real-time updates on air quality.
When Will the Air Quality Get Better?
Good news – after Tuesday evening, the air quality should improve. As the weather shifts, with cooler temperatures and more wind, ozone levels will drop, and we’ll start to see clearer skies again. But for now, it’s best to stay cautious and limit your outdoor exposure.
Stay Safe and Take Care
Ozone Action Days can feel a little overwhelming, especially when the air quality is worse than usual. But by staying inside during the hottest parts of the day, keeping windows closed, and limiting outdoor activities, you can reduce your exposure. If you’re part of a sensitive group, like children or those with respiratory or heart conditions, taking extra precautions is key.
