Millions of Texans in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas are under an Ozone Action Day on Monday, Sept. 28, a signal that ground-level ozone may reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued the alerts Sunday for 16 counties across the two metro areas.
For families managing asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions, the forecast means planning around the afternoon. Children, older adults, and anyone who works or exercises outdoors can reduce exposure by shifting activity earlier in the day and checking real-time readings before heading out.
An Ozone Action Day is a forecast, not a guarantee of unhealthy air in every neighborhood. Conditions vary by location and hour, so a nearby monitor is a better guide than the regional alert.
Sixteen Counties Under Monday's Ozone Action Day
In North Texas, the alert relayed by the National Weather Service in Fort Worth covers 13 counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Henderson, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise. TCEQ said, "Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Monday."
Along the Gulf Coast, a separate alert covers Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria counties, including Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.
Monday's North Texas notice follows Ozone Action Days in the region on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. According to TCEQ's ozone fact page, the designation is issued when ozone "may reach or exceed" the orange category of the Air Quality Index, labeled Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
Children, Older Adults, and Lung Patients Face the Most Risk
Ground-level ozone forms when pollution from vehicles, industry, and other sources reacts in sunlight, and it tends to build on warm, sunny afternoons. The Environmental Protection Agency says ozone can "inflame and damage the airways" and "increase the frequency of asthma attacks."
The EPA identifies "people with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers" as the groups most at risk. Children face added exposure because "their lungs are still developing and they are more likely to be active outdoors when ozone levels are high." AirNow's ozone guide also lists people with lung disease among sensitive groups.
Ozone can cause coughing, a sore or scratchy throat, difficulty breathing deeply, and pain when taking a deep breath. TCEQ notes that these effects come from breathing high concentrations "over several hours," so shorter, lighter outdoor activity lowers exposure.
People with asthma should follow their asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine on hand. Parents can watch younger children for coughing or wheezing during play, since kids may not report symptoms on their own. Severe shortness of breath, lips turning blue, or a rescue inhaler that is not helping calls for emergency care, so call 911 rather than waiting it out.
Morning Plans and Real-Time Readings
Timing is the most useful tool families have. The AirNow Air Quality Guide for Ozone says "ozone is worse in the afternoon and early evening, so plan outdoor activities for the morning." At orange levels, it advises sensitive groups to make outdoor activities "shorter and less intense" and to take more breaks.
For parents, that could mean moving a run, a sports practice, or a long walk to the early hours. Coaches and schools can consider lighter afternoon outdoor activity on alert days. Outdoor workers can ask about extra breaks, especially if they have asthma.
Current readings and the day's forecast are available by ZIP code at AirNow.gov. Houston residents can also sign up for the city's Asthma Air Aware Day warnings through AlertHouston, which the Houston Health Department sends by email, text, or voice call.
Everyone can help lower ozone. The weather service bulletins encourage sharing rides, walking or biking, taking lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping vehicles properly tuned.
Ozone Season Is Not Over Yet
Late September alerts can catch families off guard, but TCEQ's ozone season runs from March 1 through Oct. 31 in Dallas-Fort Worth and through Nov. 30 in Houston. Warm, sunny, and stagnant fall days can still push ozone higher.
North Texas continues to struggle with ozone. The North Central Texas Council of Governments reports that the region's 2026 ozone design value, a three-year measure used to judge compliance with federal limits, was 83 parts per billion as of Sept. 21. That is above the federal 8-hour standard of 70 parts per billion. The highest reading came from a monitor in Frisco.
More alert days are possible before the season ends. TCEQ publishes daily air quality forecasts, and residents can subscribe to its email and text alerts to learn about Ozone Action Days the day before.
Families with asthma or COPD can use this week to review action plans, refill rescue inhalers, and ask a clinician whether their current treatment is controlling symptoms well. Frequent use of a rescue inhaler on alert days is worth raising at the next appointment.
Key Questions Answered
Which counties are under the ozone alert? Thirteen North Texas counties, including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton, plus Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria counties in the Houston area.
Who should be most careful? Children, older adults, people with asthma, COPD, or other lung disease, and anyone who works or exercises outdoors.
When is ozone usually highest? In the afternoon and early evening. Morning is generally the better time for outdoor activity.
How can I check air quality now? Enter your ZIP code at AirNow.gov for current readings and forecasts.
When should someone seek emergency care? Severe shortness of breath, bluish lips, or a rescue inhaler that is not working calls for emergency care.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
