Car emissions standards are a hot topic. Some think they’re too extreme, whereas others believe more of the nation should be like California. Recently, some parts of Texas declared an ozone action day because predicted pollution rates reached a scary high amount. Of course, this isn’t the first ozone action day, but it has some wondering if this could become more frequent for drivers.
Ozone pollution in Texas recently reached concerning levels, causing this form of car emissions standards
According to Newsweek, officials predicted ozone pollution levels to reach “concerning” levels on Friday, June 7, 2024. As a result, state officials decided to enforce some form of car emissions standards. They did this by urging people in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria areas to find alternate forms of transportation. Of course, people also know ozone pollution as smog.
In fact, the National Weather Service had this to say about the impacted areas, “Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution in the Houston, Galveston, and surrounding areas on Friday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned.”
What’s also concerning is that as of 7:30 on Friday morning, the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria part of Texas had the sixth-highest air quality index in the nation at 84. The nation’s worst was Hidden Valley, Arizona, with its AQI of 113. Notably, there was also an Ozone Action Day on Saturday, June 8th, 2024. This time for Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.
As mentioned, this form of enforcing car emissions standards isn’t new, as Ozone Action Days have happened before.
This form of pollution can be dangerous
It’s no secret that ozone pollution, or smog, can be dangerous. It’s been known for quite some time that increased exposure to it can cause health issues. According to the National Weather Service, “increased emissions of chemicals and faster ozone formation rates due to heat, along with low winds and stagnant weather” are among the biggest causes.
In other words, this is an issue that’s typically present in the summer. However, states and various agencies use Ozone Action Days as a form of car emissions standards because gas-powered vehicles also contribute to the formation of this pollution. However, readers should note that cars don’t directly emit ozone.
In general, this type of pollution can be dangerous because it can cause various respiratory issues. It can cause the most trouble for kids, older people, and those with some pre-existing health issues.
