Safe Homes, Safe Kids

Air pollution forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) from emission sources combine with sunlight and intense heat to create ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog.  On-road and off-road mobile sources, such as cars, trucks, construction vehicles and air planes, cause over 70% of North Texas air pollution.  Use of chemicals, paints and pesticides along with emissions from power plants and factories create 25% of North Texas air pollution.

The ozone layer traps NOx emissions in our atmosphere.  these emissions cannot escape, so pollution increases.  The protective ozone layer forms high in the stratosphere.  This layer forms naturally and protects us from the sun's radiation.  Air pollution forms in Earth's troposphere, near the ground.  Harmful ground-level ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, power plants, factories and chemicals react with nitrogen and oxygen.

There are many actions you can take to reduce air pollution.  Use the tips below to save money and improve air quality year round.

1. Use public transit, walk, or bike to work and school.
2. Take your lunch to work or walk to lunch.
3. Carpool or vanpool wherever possible.
4. Accelerate gradually and always obey the speed limit.
5. Combine trips and errands by planning ahead.
6. Avoid using the drive thru at restaurants or dry cleaners.  Park and walk inside instead of idling your vehicle.
7. Keep your car tunes.  A well-maintained vehicle pollutes less and gets better gas mileage.
8. Refuel your vehicle during cooler morning and evening hours to prevent off-gassing losses from your gas tank.
9. Make your next car a fuel-efficient vehicle.
10. Use environmentally-friendly cleaning products, organic pest controls and fertilizers, and water-based paints to improve air quality inside and outside your home.
11. Try electrical or mechanical lawn equipment.  If you must use a gas lawn mower, mow before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid peak ozone formation hours.
12. Telecommute if possible.