Imagine waking up to a public alert that says you should avoid drive-thru lanes, walk to lunch, or even stay home if possible. That’s exactly what many people in Southeast Texas saw on their phones and local news on Wednesday, April 9.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) officially declared it an Ozone Action Day for residents in Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria.
What Is an Ozone Action Day in Texas?
An Ozone Action Day is declared when the National Weather Service predicts weather conditions that can lead to high levels of ozone pollution. This alert is issued by the TCEQ, and it’s meant to inform and protect the public from poor air quality.
According to Newsweek, the warning came because ozone levels in the Houston area were expected to reach or go above the EPA’s healthy limit on the Air Quality Index (AQI). If the AQI goes over 100, it can be harmful, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, or people with asthma and other breathing issues.
What Is Ozone Pollution?
Ozone is a gas that forms when sunlight mixes with pollution from vehicles, factories, and other sources. It’s great up high in the atmosphere because it protects us from harmful UV rays. But at ground level, too much ozone is bad for your health.
Short-term exposure to high ozone levels can cause:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Asthma attacks
- Lung inflammation
That’s why it’s important to take action when ozone levels rise.
Do You Have to Stay Home or Avoid Drive-Thrus?
Not necessarily. Ozone Action Days are voluntary — they don’t come with strict rules or fines. Instead, the TCEQ uses the alert to encourage Texans to do small things that can help reduce air pollution and keep the ozone levels in check.
One big suggestion is to avoid idling in drive-thru lanes, which adds to pollution. That’s why you might see messages telling you to walk to lunch or pack your lunch instead.
What Texans Can Do on Ozone Action Days
According to the TCEQ’s “Take Care Texas” program, here’s how you can help reduce ozone pollution on days like this:
- Walk or cycle to work or lunch if it’s safe and close
- Avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day (midday)
- Carpool, take public transport, or work from home
- Turn off your car if waiting for long periods
- Conserve electricity by turning off lights and AC when not needed
- Pack a lunch to avoid driving
These small steps can make a big difference in keeping the air cleaner for everyone.
Why It Matters for Everyone
Whether or not you’re in a sensitive group, clean air benefits all of us. Ozone pollution affects people differently, and the long-term impact of breathing polluted air can be serious. By being more mindful, especially on Ozone Action Days, Texans can protect not only their own health but also their neighbors’.
It’s not about fear — it’s about awareness and small actions that add up to big improvements for the environment and public health.