For Immediate Release

AACOG and City of San Antonio to host Air Quality Health Fair 

San Antonio, Texas – On April 9, the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) and the City of San Antonio will host an Air Quality Health Fair to educate the public on the dangerous health effects of ozone pollution and what citizens can do to protect their lungs and the air they breathe.  The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at San Pedro Springs Park, 1315 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio (across the street from San Antonio College).  The event will be behind the McFarland Tennis Center and parking will be at 800 West Ashby.  Admission is free.

Attractions at the Air Quality Health Fair will include:

• Free gas cap testing, vehicle emissions check-ups, and car care tips from certified auto mechanics

• Free asthma screening and education by the South Texas Asthma Coalition

• Free Canopy Trees from CPS and information on gardening for savings on water and energy bills

• Electric-gasoline hybrid vehicles on display

• VIA Propane Bus, Classroom On Wheels for kids, and Buster the Mascot

• Free giveaways for adults and kids

• Kids activities: face painting, beanbag toss, kite making, scavenger hunt, and more.

One of San Antonio’s major air pollutants is ground-level ozone, which interferes with normal breathing, and high levels of ground-level ozone pollution can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and nausea to asthma attacks and even death. The Air Quality Health Fair will provide free air quality and health information, including how to know when ozone pollution might reach dangerous levels in our area and how to protect those who are especially susceptible:  children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.  AACOG will offer a sign-up for those that would like to receive free Air Quality Health Alert notification by email during Ozone Season (April through October).

In the San Antonio area, vehicles traveling roadways are the largest single source of the air pollution that creates ozone.  A few things that everyone can do to help is carpool, drive less, maintain your vehicle, and use alternative transportation.

For more information on air quality and the Air Quality Health Fair, visit www.aacog.com/air.