Combatting Ozone Pollution: Monday, September 18, was Ozone Action Day, organized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. San Antonio residents were saddened by this news. Due to the air conditions, this comment warned of high ozone pollution in San Antonio.
Ozone Action Days are essential. There should be a warning sign, especially for vulnerable individuals like children and those with respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Due to increased air pollution, it may not be safe for them to spend extended time outdoors.
On Ozone Action Days, Metro Health in San Antonio provided tips to fight pollution.
Drive and idle less. To reduce cars on the road, try carpooling, combining jobs, using public transportation, biking, or walking.
The ideal time to fill up your gas tank is in the late afternoon or evening, and avoid filling it completely.
Car Maintenance: Save money on gas and reduce pollution by maintaining your car’s condition and tire pressure.
Take care of your yard tools and use them in the late afternoon or evening when pollution levels are lower.
Choose eco-friendly products: Opt for low or no-VOC paints and cleaning supplies to reduce chemical emissions.
Don’t burn yard waste. Burning yard waste can release toxins into the air.
Change thermostat settings to save energy. Set a preset to 78 degrees or higher when no one is home. From 2 to 7 p.m., when it’s hottest, increase the heat by 2 to 3 degrees to save energy and cool the house.
Only plug tools and gadgets when not in use to save energy. This prevents unnecessary power usage while idle.
On Ozone Action Days, San Antonio residents can reduce ozone pollution by following rules and working together for a cleaner, healthier city. Individual actions are crucial for reducing air pollution, and Metro Health’s ideas demonstrate effective ways to make a difference.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What can we do to reduce ozone pollution?
Cutting back on your trips and driving less will directly lower air pollution, especially in the areas you visit often. Simply ditching your own car one day a week to carpool, take the bus, or bike to work decreases your role in smog creation by 20%.
How is ozone prevented?
Protecting the ozone layer is crucial. To do this, steer clear of harmful gases like CFCs, halogenated hydrocarbons, methyl bromide, and nitrous oxide. These gases can do serious damage to the ozone layer due to their content or how they are made. Additionally, minimizing the use of cars can help in the effort to protect the ozone layer.
What is being done about bad ozone?
Efforts to address “bad” ozone are underway. The Clean Air Act has established health-based ozone standards for the air we breathe. EPA, along with states and cities, have implemented diverse programs to meet these standards and protect public health.
What other programs are out there to reduce bad ozone?
Vapor recovery equipment is now mandatory for gas stations when filling storage tanks to help control ozone pollution. Commercial emissions are being regulated, and vehicle emissions are being checked through a program. New engines are required to meet emissions standards. Both voluntary and mandated Commute Trip Reduction Programs at worksites are being implemented to further reduce ozone pollution.