Air quality seems to be better throughout the region because of reduced traffic as a result of Stay Home orders, but people should remain vigilant and be air aware especially as the orders are lifted and the summer begins. May 4 through 8 marked Air Quality Awareness Week, and CAPCOG completed a successful campaign educating residents about air quality issues. However, it will continue informing people about health risks caused by poor air quality, how to reduce pollutants, and when to act because of forecasted Ozone Action Days throughout the ozone season.
CAPCOG’s Air Central Texas campaign educates residents that long-term exposure to air pollution, such as fine-particulate matter and ground-level ozone, may exacerbate or cause respiratory and cardiovascular illness. It also warns residents to take health precautions and avoid unnecessary vehicle trips and idling when pollution levels are predicted to be high such as on Ozone Action Days. Such days are more prevalent in the summer as warmer temperatures aid in forming harmful ground-level ozone. The campaign uses Facebook, facebook.com/AirCentralTexas, and Twitter, @AirCentralTexas, to notify residents of Ozone Action Days. AirCentralTexas.org also provides additional educational information about air quality issues.
Other air quality awareness resources include knowing your local air quality index which can be found airnow.gov/ and registering for emailed Ozone Action Day alerts at tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/ozone_email.html.
Learn more about the Regional Planning and Services Division.
