We Care About Your Air

With the days getting hotter, the City of Southlake is partnering with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to bring to its residents the most up-to-date information regarding safety concerns in the air quality.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale that has numerical values and corresponding colors, and it is based on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Each NAAQS pollutant has a separate AQI scale. We can use this scale to measure ozone levels in the air.

The scale specifically measures ground-level ozone and is found at ground-level. It is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when sunlight is present. When the days get hotter, ground-level ozone levels become a concern because inhaling too high of an amount of ground-level ozone for several hours is toxic and can cause acute respiratory health effects. The months from March through November are considered the ozone forecast season in the state of Texas.  The day when the ozone level is favorable for high, is considered an “Ozone Action Day”.

By partnering with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the City of Southlake is ensuring that their residents receive the most updated information regarding Ozone Action Days. To receive these update upon arrival, follow the City of Southlake on Twitter or “like” the City of Southlake page on Facebook.

For more information regarding the Air Quality Index and ozone levels, please visit the TCEQ website.