Tracking PM2.5 through the Purple Community Project

When it comes to air pollutants in Central Texas, particulate matter (PM) pollution levels have largely remained the same; compare this to ozone concentrations, which have generally gone down over the past 20 years.

To better understand PM2.5 in the region, CAPCOG's Air Quality Program is working to distribute 20 new PurpleAir sensors that can provide real-time air quality information at a given location using the PurpleAir map.

We need your help targeting locations for the air quality sensors. Connect us with potential host sites that have a secure outdoor location with reliable Wi-Fi and a stable power source. Potential sites include community centers, government buildings, and city parks. You can suggest a location by filling out our interest form!

We're also continuing to provide free air quality sensors to local youth education programs in Central Texas through our Be Air Smart program. Our ideal partners for this initiative are schools, libraries, children's hospitals, clinics, and daycares/after school-programs.

If you have questions, you can email Ramon Zarate, CAPCOG Air Quality Program specialist at rzarate@capcog.org.

Get Ready for Ozone Season 2024

March 1st officially marks the start of Ozone Season (March 1 - October 31), a time when air quality levels are the poorest for the region due to ozone pollution.

Ozone is not emitted directly into the air but is formed through chemical reactions between natural and man-made emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in direct sunlight. Weather conditions like low wind speeds, high peak temperatures, and low humidity contribute to high ozone levels.  

Ozone is an irritant that can negatively affect human health making it more difficult to breathe, increasing the frequency of asthma attacks, and inflaming or damaging the airways. We can cut down ozone levels in the region and improve our air quality by reducing our NOx and VOC emissions. Actions you can take include:

• Driving less by using public transit, walking, bicycling, and telecommuting for work;
• Limiting the time you run your vehicle engine when you're not driving it;
• Conserving electricity and water to reduce power plant emissions;
• Avoiding outdoor burning to cut down on ozone-forming pollutants in the air; and
• Staying "Air Aware" by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) and looking out for Ozone Action Day announcements on high ozone days.

Together, we can improve our air quality in Central Texas!

Air Quality News

Reports of Gas Odor Across Austin. Here's What's Causing It -  The Austin Fire Department (AFD) was receiving calls on January 17 about a gaseous odor across the city, but the department said it's nothing to be concerned about. The smell was from the Luling Oil Field in Caldwell County, about 50 miles south of Austin. The recent wind pattern has been carrying the natural gas-like odor into Austin. (KVUE)

Austin ISD Introduces New Fleet of Electric School Buses - The new additions were introduced by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, highlighting the district's goal for all 551 buses in the fleet to be electric by 2035. If that goal is reached, AISD would be the first district across Texas to use solely electric buses. (KVUE)

Help People Monitor Their Own Air Quality to Save Lives, Say Pollution Experts - During a five-month study, scientists from Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) worked with volunteers from Zero Carbon Guildford to create a new way of monitoring air quality in real-time. The data made the public more aware of pollution levels. The team hopes similar projects can empower communities to improve their air. (Phys.org)

Evidence Grows of Air Pollution Link with Dementia and Stroke Risk - Over the course of 11 years, 6,484 people had a stroke, 3,813 developed dementia and 376 had a stroke and developed dementia. Having allowed for other risk factors, the researchers found relationships between long-term air pollution exposure and acquiring dementia, as well as developing dementia after a stroke. (The Guardian)

U.S. Air Pollution Rates Down, but Vary by Demographics - According to a new study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the amount of the improvements is largely dependent on demographics, with socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequalities in air pollution reductions felt especially in the energy and industry sectors, a press release from the Columbia Mailman School said. (EcoWatch)

What is 'Super Fog'? - Meteorologist says super fog events “are not overly rare, but they do take a perfect storm of conditions to materialize” and can happen a few times per year. Fireworks can contribute to super fog conditions, and Stanfield said super fog has occurred during Fourth of July and New Year’s celebrations. (KXAN)

2024 Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA Monthly Air Quality Index Levels

In January 2024, we experienced 21 good days, and 10 moderate days. All 10 moderate days were due to PM2.5. Air quality trends in January 2024 were similar to those of January 2023 which had 24 good days, six moderate days, and one unhealthy for sensitive groups day.

Access the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast by using any weather app or by going to AirNow.gov for localized information.

To learn how these pollutants can affect public health, click the following links:

• Particulate Matter
• Ozone

View the current Air Quality Index (AQI) and learn more at AirNow.gov.

Share the Air Central Texas newsletter with your friends, family, and coworkers to help people understand the risk of poor air quality and how their actions can affect our breathable air.  

Make an air quality commitment to improve our local air quality, today!