Protecting Your Health during Ozone Action Days: Tips for a Cleaner San Antonio

On May 18, 2024, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) declared an Ozone Action Day for the San Antonio area. This is the first Ozone Action Day of the year and is due to favorable atmospheric conditions that may lead to high levels of ozone pollution.

The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) is urging everyone to take action to improve air quality and save energy. To help maintain healthy air quality, residents and businesses are encouraged to adopt pollution-reducing practices.

On Ozone Action Days, vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and those with respiratory issues like asthma are advised to limit outdoor activities. It is especially important for people with asthma or breathing difficulties to stay indoors to avoid exposure to harmful air pollutants.

To reduce trips and save energy, individuals can carpool or use public transportation instead of driving alone. They can also refuel their cars and trucks after 6 p.m., avoid drive-thrus at restaurants, turn off their vehicles instead of idling, adjust their thermostats to higher temperatures during peak hours, and combine errands to reduce trips.

For more information on ground-level ozone and how to contribute to a cleaner environment, individuals can visit Metro Health’s website.