About the Houston and Ozone

Ozone in Houston

ozone in houston


Although ozone levels have recently declined, Houston still has ample amounts of the ingredients necessary to form ozone in the atmosphere. With the petrochemical industry composing a substantial portion of Houston’s economic base and a population of around 6 million people, the Greater Houston Area produces substantial amounts of NOx and VOCs, both through industrial processes and vehicle miles traveled.

Additionally, these chemicals enter into a climate that is excellent for ozone production with an average high temperature of 79 °F and approximately 2,600 hours of sunlight each year. (source).

Geography also plays a role in Houston’s elevated ozone levels. Because we are located so close to the Gulf of Mexico, we can rely on sea breezes to circulate ozone clouds around the city and its surrounding areas, providing both a medium of transportation for ozone and preventing its dispersion.

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