Air Quality Watch
Those concerned with air quality in the AACOG region continue to watch the readings on local ground-level ozone monitors. What is ground-level ozone? Ground-level ozone is formed through chemical reactions between natural and man-made emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight. These gaseous compounds mix in the air, and when they interact with sunlight, ground-level ozone is formed.
Sources of these pollutants include automobiles, gas-powered motors, refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, solvents used in dry cleaners and paint shops, and wherever natural gas, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and oil are used as fuel.
Our region's Ozone Season is from April 1 through October 31 every year. We expect to see the ozone concentrations rise, especially in late August and during September. When ground-level ozone is high enough it will affect sensitive groups such as children, elderly, asthmatics and people with respiratory problems, so an Air Quality Health Alert is issued. On Air Quality Health Alert days we urge those sensitive groups to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. To be notified by email if the next day will be an Air Quality Health Alert day, please click here. Announcements the day of an Air Quality Health Alert are done on TransGuide signs along the San Antonio area's highways, local newspapers, and local TV and radio stations.
