Texas Air Pollution: Is It Hazardous?

Texas is the second-largest US state by area and population, with almost 30 million residents. It is known for its blue skies and bright summer days, but hot weather and pollutants from cars, trucks, and factories can make the air dirty and unhealthy. Texas has one of the most robust air monitoring networks in the country, with over 200 stations serving more than 25 million people. The state has passed laws and imposed standards for certain contaminants, and wind power now accounts for 17% of its electric grid capacity. However, industrial facilities in Houston emitted over 23 million pounds of air pollutants above permitted limits in 2019, and Texas's air quality issues are exacerbated by climate change and wildfires.

Texas's air pollution levels are impacted by its industrial activity and burning activities in Mexico

Texas's air pollution levels are influenced by a combination of factors, including its industrial activity and burning activities in neighbouring Mexico. With a population of almost 30 million, Texas is the second-largest US state by population size, and this number is only continuing to grow. The state shares a border with Mexico, specifically the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.

Texas's industrial activity has had a significant impact on its air quality. In 2019, industrial facilities in Houston, Texas, emitted over 23 million pounds of air pollutants beyond the permitted limits. Oil and gas facilities have been identified as major contributors to air pollution in the state, particularly during equipment malfunctions and maintenance activities. For example, in 2014, these facilities released more than 20 million pounds of illegal sulfur dioxide emissions, contributing to smog and the acidification of water and soil. The Keystone Gas Plant in West Texas reported a malfunction incident in 2015 that lasted for six months, resulting in the release of almost 11 million pounds of sulfur dioxide emissions, far exceeding its permitted limit.

In addition to industrial activity, burning activities in Mexico also influence Texas's air pollution levels. Residual smoke and aerosols from seasonal and prescribed burnings in Southern and Eastern Mexico can be carried northward by winds, increasing fine particulate matter concentrations in Texas. This is particularly true when high relative humidity is present, as it can prevent the dispersion of pollutants. The impact of these burning activities on Texas's air quality can be seen in areas such as Brownsville-McAllen, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Victoria, where PM2.5 AQI levels often reach the "Moderate" range.

To address air pollution, Texas has passed laws and imposed standards for certain contaminants. Wind power is becoming more prevalent, and natural gas discoveries in the Permian Basin are helping to reduce coal usage. However, enforcement of air pollution limits and penalties for violations have been criticised as inadequate, with industries often paying small fines relative to the cost to public health and their profits.

Texas's air quality is monitored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

TCEQ monitors ambient air concentrations of six "criteria pollutants" that are commonly occurring and can be harmful to public health and the environment. These criteria pollutants are ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. TCEQ also maintains the Texas Air Monitoring Information System (TAMIS), which allows users to generate and download ambient air quality data collected at these monitoring stations.

TCEQ plays a primary role in regulating emissions in the oil and gas fields and ensuring air quality. It works with the Railroad Commission, which has primary jurisdiction over oil and gas facilities in Texas, to find solutions that reduce emissions from oil and gas activities. TCEQ also addresses other sources of emissions, such as vehicle emissions, through the annual Texas Department of Public Safety emissions inspection program.

Despite these efforts, Texas still faces challenges with air pollution. In 2019, industrial facilities in Houston, Texas, emitted more than 23 million pounds of air pollutants above the permitted limits. On every day in 2019, an industrial facility somewhere in Texas illegally polluted the air. This has led to concerns about the health impacts of air pollution, particularly for Texans who are sensitive to it.

Texas's air pollution is worsened by its millions of cars and hundreds of factories

Texas is the second-largest state in the US by area and population, with almost 30 million residents. The state's millions of cars and hundreds of factories contribute significantly to its air pollution. In 2019, industrial facilities in Houston, Texas, emitted over 23 million pounds of air pollutants beyond the permitted limits. Overall, companies discharged more than 170 million pounds of unauthorised toxins into the air during that year.

A study in El Paso found that air particles and gas fumes from motor vehicles and industrial sources reached a geometric mean of 125 µg/m³ across all sampled sites over a 30-day period. Carbon monoxide levels ranged from 0 to 18 ppm during the study. Texas's hot weather, combined with pollutants from cars, trucks, and factories, can degrade air quality, particularly for sensitive individuals. The main culprits of unhealthy air are ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).

Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10) can penetrate deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream. Exposure to fine particle air pollution has been associated with heart and lung issues, including decreased lung function, asthma, irregular heartbeat, and heart attacks. Populations at higher risk from air pollution include those with pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions, older adults, children, infants, and pregnant women.

Texas's air pollution problem is exacerbated by its many factories and cars. For example, Tesla's plant in Austin, Texas, has been criticised for leaking hazardous wastewater into the city's sewer system and violating local environmental guidelines. Additionally, Tesla's factory in Fremont, California, has received numerous warnings for air pollution rule violations. These issues highlight the challenges Texas faces in managing its air quality and the need to balance economic activities with environmental protection.

Texas's air pollution is made up of ozone, sulfur dioxide, benzene, and other harmful chemicals

Texas is the second-largest state in the US by area and population, with almost 30 million residents. The state's air quality is affected by its hundreds of factories and millions of cars. Texas's air pollution is made up of ozone, sulfur dioxide, benzene, and other harmful chemicals.

Ozone is a major component of Texas's air pollution. Ozone Action Day (OAD) forecasts are made daily by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) meteorologists during the ozone-forecast season, which is roughly from March through November. TCEQ meteorologists use historical meteorological data, historical ozone measurements, and ozone-prediction models to make these forecasts. When an OAD is predicted, the TCEQ recommends that citizens limit driving and idling, carpool, use public transportation, or walk.

Sulfur dioxide is another pollutant that affects Texas's air quality. Sulfur dioxide is a highly reactive gas that can affect the respiratory system, particularly for people with asthma. Texas has implemented various measures to address sulfur dioxide emissions, such as submitting recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for county designations based on air quality data.

Benzene is a known human carcinogen, according to the EPA. In 2021, five Texas refineries reported average benzene emissions that were above the federal threshold. These refineries included Marathon Petroleum's Galveston Bay refinery, which had the highest average benzene levels in the nation, more than double the federal limit.

In addition to these specific pollutants, Texas's air quality is impacted by a range of other chemicals and toxins. For example, in 2019, industrial facilities in Houston, Texas, emitted more than 23 million pounds of unauthorized air pollutants. Overall, companies discharged more than 170 million pounds of unauthorized toxins into the air during that year. These excess emissions can occur due to equipment malfunctions, maintenance work, or during start-ups and shutdowns of facilities.

Texas's air pollution can be monitored in real-time through online maps and forecasts

Online platforms such as IQAir and AirNow provide real-time air pollution maps and forecasts for Texas and other countries. These maps offer valuable information on the current and historical air quality in different areas, allowing users to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) also provides a GeoTAM Dashboard that presents users with a geospatial way to view current live ambient air values.

The availability of real-time monitoring data and forecasts enables residents to take proactive measures to protect their health. For example, on days when air quality is predicted to be poor, individuals may choose to limit their outdoor activities, use air purifiers indoors, or wear masks when outside. Real-time data also helps identify areas with persistently high pollution levels, guiding policy interventions and targeted initiatives to improve air quality.

In addition to real-time monitoring, Texas has implemented laws and standards to address air pollution. The state has transitioned to wind power, which now accounts for 17% of its electric grid capacity. Despite these efforts, challenges remain. For instance, industrial facilities in Houston, Texas, emitted over 23 million pounds of air pollutants above the permitted limits in 2019, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and enforcement of environmental regulations.

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