Our Nation's Air
by the US EPA
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- Ozone is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight.
- Ozone can cause breathing problems, especially for children, older adults, and those with asthma.
- Ozone concentrations in Texas have decreased by 31% over the past 22 years.
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Design values are ambient-monitored values that are health-based and established by the EPA. More info
- Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) are small particles emitted by or formed in the air from dust, fires, vehicles, and industrial processes.
- PM2.5 can cause heart or breathing problems, especially for children and older adults.
- PM2.5 in Texas has decreased by 18% (24-hour PM2.5) and 22% (annual PM2.5) over the last 20 years.
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Design values are ambient-monitored values that are health-based and established by the EPA. More info
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is a gas that is emitted into the air from cars, trucks, power plants, and off-road machinery.
- NO2 can cause breathing problems, especially for children, older adults, and those with asthma.
- NO2 in Texas has decreased by 26% (one-hour NO2) and 42% (annual NO2) over the last 22 years.
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Design values are ambient-monitored values that are health-based and established by the EPA. More info
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a gas emitted into the air from sources that burn fuels containing sulfur.
- SO2 can cause breathing problems, especially for children, older adults, and those with asthma.
- Several new source orientated SO2 monitors were installed in 2016 and 2017, causing the increase in the statewide one-hour SO2 design value.
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Design values are ambient-monitored values that are health-based and established by the EPA. More info
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas that is emitted into the air from cars, trucks, and other combustion processes.
- CO reduces the amount of oxygen delivered into your body and can cause death at high levels.
- CO in Texas has decreased by 76% (one-hour CO) and 72% (eight-hour CO) over the last 22 years.
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Design values are ambient-monitored values that are health-based and established by the EPA. More info
- Lead (Pb) pollution is emitted directly from industrial sources or lead-containing fuels.
- Lead exposure can lead to neurological, cardiovascular, and other health effects.
- The lead design value for the Frisco Eubanks monitor, closest to the former Exide Frisco Recycling Center, has decreased 89% from the year of the center’s closing (2012) through 2021.
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Design values are ambient-monitored values that are health-based and established by the EPA. More info