What is a High Ozone Warning?
A high ozone warning means that high levels of ozone have been
measured at one or more monitoring sites in the area. The warnings
are color coded to indicate the severity of ozone levels. These
color codes correspond to the U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index.
The lowest warning level is "Level Orange - Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups." The next warning level is "Level Red -
Unhealthy." The highest warning level that can sometimes be issued
in Texas (primarily in the Houston area) is "level Purple - Very
Unhealthy."
TCEQ provides E-Mail
notifications of the warnings automatically by about 20 minutes
after the hour when the high ozone was measured. TCEQ's
"Ozone Warning Status" is also updated automatically by about
35 minutes after the hour when the high ozone is first measured.
The warnings continue in effect as long as high ozone levels are
measured in the area.
Recommended Actions on High Ozone Days
The "Level Orange" high ozone warning is primarily a concern for
people who are more sensitive to high ozone levels, especially
children and people with lung problems such as asthma or emphysema.
When ozone reaches "Level Red," it can even affect people who are
less sensitive to high ozone levels, especially people who are
active outdoors.
Symptoms may include a shortness of breath and coughing and are
more likely to occur during strenuous outdoor exercising. When
ozone reaches "Level Purple," everyone should avoid any outdoor
exertion and people who are sensitive should stay indoors in an
air-conditioned home or building. TCEQ
map of current ozone levels.
See more information about
preventing air pollution.
