Residents of San Antonio, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has declared today an Ozone Action Day. This comes as high levels of ozone air pollution are expected to occur, potentially impacting particularly sensitive groups in the area. TCEQ marks this as the tenth such warning for 2024, as reported by the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health).
For San Antonio residents, special caution is advised for young children, older adults, and those with respiratory issues, as they are more at risk from the predicted high ozone levels. Metro Health recommends that these groups stay indoors to reduce exposure, as outdoor activities could be harmful in the current conditions.
Residents and businesses can take simple steps to help reduce the issue. Metro Health suggests refueling vehicles after 6 p.m., avoiding drive-thrus, turning off idling vehicles, and raising thermostats a few degrees between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. More details are available on their website.
Metro Health also advises carpooling, using public transportation, and combining errands to reduce emissions. These small changes can help improve San Antonio's air quality. It's a community effort, and every action counts. Even small adjustments in your routine, like raising the thermostat or sharing a ride, can make a big difference.
