Have you noticed a brownish smog that often lingers over many parts of Central Texas?
It's an air quality issue that can cause health problems for your family.
It's been confirmed that our air quality becomes potentially harmful with contamination at 70 parts per billion.
Here in Central Texas we're at about 73 parts per billion and the national limit is not far away, at 75 parts per billion.
You might not know it, but it's actually better to fill up your car with gas at night.
That's because the cooler evening temps and wind allow the gas fumes to disperse, instead of cooking in the sunlight.
That can eventually make it's way into our lungs.
But for some Central Texas residents like Judy Roach, getting gas in the middle of the day is still, no big deal.
"I have no problem breathing I have no problem doing my everyday job you know I'm not concerned," said Roach.
But according to the Heart of Texas Council of Government, recent air quality numbers in our own backyard are reasons to worry.
Gas fumes can contribute to ground level ozone levels.
That's a combination of nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds..
These types of air pollutants are apparently becoming overwhelming to our area.
"Those voc's and nox, combined in the air cook in sunlight and low winds and create this ozone which when we breath it can cause problem in our lungs and our respiratory systems," said Director of Regional Services
Heart of Texas Council of Governments Megan Henderson.
High temperatures, power plants, and vehicles are the primary reason for the rise in ground ozone levels.
"If our ozone eventually does not either stay at the level that it is now or get lower then we could be facing regulations down the line," said Henderson.
But you can help, get gas after five, don't leave your car running when you go into a convenience store and watch when and how often you mow your lawn or cut wood with gas-powered tools.
"We pay more for everything else so that's just another thing that we'll just have to pay more for," said Roach.
