Summary
Millions of Texans are being told to avoid drive-thru lanes due to high air pollution levels. Texas cities like San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston-Galveston are under Ozone Action Day alerts as forecasted conditions may lead to unsafe ozone levels.
Key Facts
- The National Weather Service issued Ozone Action Day alerts for several Texas areas.
- These alerts cover San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria.
- Ground-level ozone can cause health problems, such as reduced lung function and asthma symptoms.
- An estimated 17.3 million people live in the affected metropolitan areas.
- Ozone forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in sunlight.
- Motor vehicle emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents contribute to ozone pollution.
- High-pressure systems and clear skies in Texas can lead to higher ozone formation.
- The current alert is in effect for Wednesday, with potential updates expected for Thursday.
