{"id":2957,"date":"2026-05-29T18:31:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T18:31:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/houstonmovingjournal.com\/?p=2957"},"modified":"2026-05-29T18:31:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T18:31:15","slug":"what-is-an-ozone-action-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/houstonmovingjournal.com\/?p=2957","title":{"rendered":"What is an Ozone Action Day?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ll occasionally hear the term Ozone Action Day mentioned during your local newscast.<\/p>

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The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is responsible for issuing these ozone alerts.<\/p>

What is ozone?<\/h2>
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Ozone is a gas that is found in the atmosphere. It is formed when three atoms of oxygen combine.<\/p>

In the upper layers of the atmosphere, it forms a protective layer that shields us from the sun\u2019s UV rays. However, when it is found near the ground, it becomes a toxic respiratory agent.<\/p>

What causes ground-level ozone?<\/h2>

Ozone forms near the ground on days when high-pressure dominates the weather patterns and leads to clear skies and light winds. This most often happens in Texas during summer.<\/p>

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Ground-level ozone develops from chemical reactions driven by sunlight between nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by industrial facilities, vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors and biological sources.<\/p>

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An industrial plant flares during a summer evening.<\/span> (Getty Images)<\/strong><\/span><\/p> <\/div><\/div>

Does ozone impact my health?<\/h2>

People who suffer from respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, can have trouble breathing on days when ground-level ozone is high.<\/p>

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), high ozone levels can cause coughing, a scratchy throat, pain when taking a deep breath, damage to your airways and an increase in the frequency of asthma attacks.<\/p>

What should I do during an Ozone Action Day?<\/h2>

It is recommended that people who suffer from respiratory illnesses limit their outdoor activity when ground-level ozone is high.<\/p>

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TCEQ also recommends:<\/p>