Air pollution happens when chemical, physical or biological contaminants get into the air and harm people's health or the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) keeps watch on six common pollutants: lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone at ground level and particulate matter. The two that are most widespread, and that cause the broadest health effects, are particulate matter and ozone at ground level. Typical sources include cars and trucks, power plants, factories, farming operations and fires.
Ozone Pollution
The EPA reports that nine North Texas counties do not meet the 2015 eight-hour national air quality standard for ozone. Ground-level ozone harms human health as well as wildlife and vegetation. This pollutant develops close to the surface when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in sunlight and heat, and exhaust from vehicles, industry and power generation supplies most of those ingredients. In North Texas, ozone season lasts from March through October, when warm weather gives ozone the conditions it needs to build up.
The EPA offers more background on ozone pollution.
How Ozone Affects Your Health
Children, older adults, people with asthma or other lung conditions, and anyone who works or exercises outdoors face the highest risk from ozone. Even healthy people can experience symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Irritated, inflamed airways
- Wheezing or trouble catching your breath
- Chest pain
- Asthma attacks
The American Lung Association and the EPA both publish additional health guidance.
Ways to Improve Air Quality
The atmosphere is a complex, constantly changing layer of gases that makes life on Earth possible. Pollution occurs when human activity adds chemicals, particles or biological material that can hurt people, other living things or the environment. Many people picture smokestacks when they think of air pollution, but vehicles and other mobile sources now play a growing part.
The tips below offer simple ways Fredville residents can help clear the air.
Drive Cleaner
- Bundle errands into a single trip. A car that has sat parked for over an hour can give off as much as five times more pollution when it first starts than it does once the engine has warmed up.
- Carpool or share rides when you can.
- Keep your vehicle maintained. Routine tune-ups and properly inflated tires improve fuel economy and help your car last longer.
- Report vehicles that are visibly smoking. Write down the license plate and submit it through the smoking vehicle reporting program run by the regional council of governments. The state will then send the owner information about emissions requirements and repair or replacement assistance.
Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Your home draws energy around the clock for heating and cooling, cooking, laundry, lighting, entertainment and much more. In Fredville, most of that energy comes from natural gas and electricity. Using less natural gas cuts pollution close to home, while using less electricity reduces emissions near power plants that may be far away, which helps the whole region. Because air pollution can travel long distances, it is a regional concern.
A national consumer advocacy group recommends these ten easy ways to lower home energy costs.
Simple Maintenance
- Look at your furnace or heat pump filter every month and change it on a regular schedule. Clogged filters raise energy bills and can wear out equipment early.
- Have a licensed technician inspect your heating and cooling systems every year to confirm they run safely and efficiently. An annual visit can catch problems before they grow.
Seal Air Leaks
- Put storm windows up for the winter if you have them, and consider adding them if your windows are not insulated. Look for models with the ENERGY STAR label, the federal mark for energy efficiency.
- Caulk and weatherstrip drafty windows, doors and baseboards.
- Seal and weatherproof every exterior opening where plumbing or electrical lines enter the house.
- Confirm that attic vents and ductwork are sealed tightly. Sealed ducts can trim about $140 a year from a typical energy bill and help every room stay comfortable.
- Check that the attic, exterior walls and any unfinished rooms have enough insulation.
Buy Smart
- Install a programmable thermostat that changes the temperature automatically to match your schedule. Set up and used correctly, it can save around $100 a year.
- Swap older bulbs and fixtures for energy-saving lighting.
- Choose products that carry the ENERGY STAR label.
Contact Us
Health and Environment
100 Civic Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Fredville, TX 75999
Call us at (555) 010-1261 or send a fax to (555) 010-2536.
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