Ozone Action Day Alert Program

To kick-off the beginning of ozone season, the CLEAN AIR Force holds a public outreach event to remind Central Texans of the simple things they can do to improve air quality in Central Texas. Throughout ozone season (April 1st – October 31st), the CLEAN AIR Force offers a free notification service to participants by email when an Ozone Action Day (OZAD) is forecast for the following day. This gives Central Texans time to plan ahead for alternate travel arrangements for the next day and to make informed decisions about air pollution and its potential health effects. The email alerts encourage Central Texans to reduce their driving and postpone other polluting activities until late in the day when ozone is less likely to form. To register for OZAD alerts, citizens can visit www.cleanairforce.org or call 1-866-916-4AIR. Ozone action day notifications are also available on the CLEAN AIR Force’s air quality information line at (512) 343-SMOG and Ozone Action Day updates are given at all TAC, CAF Board and Executive Committee meetings during Ozone Season.

Ozone Readings in Texas

The TCEQ collects daily ozone measurements at several monitors across the state. Peak ozone concentrations in the state's major metropolitan areas are available as well as daily peaks since January 1, 1998. Ozone concentrations are also available. These concentrations are used in determining if the National Ambient Air Quality Standard has been exceeded.

The Air Quality Index (AQI), formerly known as the Pollution Standard Index (PSI), is derived from air pollutant measurements and is used to determine an AQI rating of "Good," "Moderate," or "Unhealthful." Because ozone measurements are usually higher in Texas than those of other air pollutants, the AQI is normally based on ozone levels.