Air Quality

Growth in Central Texas has increased air pollution worries, and now unhealthy levels of ozone demand our attention. The City’s Air Quality program is an outreach, policy and information resource for Austin's residents. Learn how you can do something to help us achieve healthier air.

Ozone

In the Austin area, our air quality problem is the formation of ozone. It can irritate our eyes, nose and throat. Ozone, the main component in smog, forms with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combine and "cook" in the sun. Vehicle engines, electric generation units, industrial facilities and many everyday activities create man-made sources of NOx and VOCs. Reducing ozone will require all of us to work together. We can all do something. With your help, Austin can achieve healthy air.

How You Can Help

Since ozone-forming pollutants are primarily caused by human activities, there are many things we can do to help keep our air healthy. Here's how you can help:

Drive less. Walk when you can, ride a bike or take a bus. Just spend less time in your car.
Don't idle. Skip the drive-through, and don't leave the engine running while you run in a store.
Tune up your car. Proper maintenance can increase gas mileage and reduce pollution.
Ride the bus. It's not just for work and school—buses run on weekends, too.
Walk or jog. Instead of driving to the gym, try getting your exercise the old-fashioned way.