Environmental and Health Services
Ozone Tips
Ozone Season 2007 - May 1 through October 31

Ground-level ozone
Excessive ground-level ozone is a threat to public health. High accumulations of ozone in the lower atmosphere near ground level can be harmful to people, animals, crops and other materials. Ground-level ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea and eye irritation. In fact, health specialists agree that ground level ozone can cause serious lung damage and difficulty in breathing, especially among children, older adults and people with respiratory problems. For more information about how air quality may affect your health visit the American Lung Association.

Because we can all do something about it. Most of the pollutants that cause ozone in the Dallas/Fort Worth area come from mobile sources (like cars and trucks), not industry. Anytime you can reduce your car emissions, you are helping to reduce ozone. Use your best mileage vehicle, combine your errands into one trip, and keep your engine tuned.

Air Pollution
You can receive real-time notifications by email when there is an Air Pollution Watch or Warning forecast by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). To subscribe, simply send a blank email to:

join-ozone-dfw@listserv.tceq.state.tx.us for Air Pollution Watch (next day's forecast) notices and

join-alert-dfw@listserv.tceq.state.tx.us for Air Pollution Warning (current levels) notices.

For more information go to the Ozone E-mail Alerts web page on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality web site.

Public Transit Contributes to a Cleaner Environment
Remember how you used to daydream on your WAY to school?
You can do it again. Take the bus, and you'll have a little extra time to yourself.

When you drive, you have to concentrate on the road, the traffic, the real world. But when you ride the bus, you can escape into a world far from stress and pressure. You could save money, too. (The average driver spends 56 cents per mile on car ownership and maintenance expenses.) Plus, you would help reduce traffic congestion and pollution, which actually makes your bus fare a contribution towards a better environment.

So keep it up, because — it all adds up to cleaner air.

If you have any questions about ozone season call Air Pollution Control at 214-948-4435.

Vehicle Maintenance
Your mom always told you to take good care of your stuff.

Right as usual. Regular maintenance keeps your car running smooth and keeps the air clean. Your mom's advice still holds true today, especially when it comes to your car. Regular maintenance can improve gas mileage and performance. It can also help reduce traffic congestion due to breakdowns and reduce air pollution. So keep it up because — it all adds up to cleaner air.

Ozone Reduction Tip – Ride Sharing
Ride sharing is a great way to make driving more enjoyable, whether you're going out of town or going to work. Share a ride with a friend; pick someone up before you go out. It's nice to have a co-pilot, plus you'll save money and the air. And if all drivers doubled up, it would cut traffic congestion and air pollution substantially. So keep it up, because — it all adds up to cleaner air.

Ozone Reduction Tip – Don't Top Off the Tank
Leave a little room for the air. When you gas up, don't top off the tank. It's safer and helps keep the air clean. When you're at the pump, chances are you avoid topping off because spilling gas can be a hazardous and smelly situation. But topping off also releases harmful gas vapors, which means stopping short of a full tank is safer and reduces pollution. So keep it up because —It all adds up to cleaner air.

Ozone Reduction Tip – Regular Car Maintenance
Every 3 months…every 3,000 miles or every 1.3 million breaths, changing your oil and regular maintenance mean a cleaner running engine.

It's true. Changing your oil regularly can help improve your car's performance. Plus, regular tune-ups and maintenance can help reduce traffic congestion due to preventable breakdowns and help reduce pollution. So keep it up because —It all adds up to cleaner air.

If you have any questions about ozone season visit us on the web at Air Pollution Control, or call 214-948-4435.