Local real-time smog map now available

Along with ozone information

Matt Dietrichson, Aug 22, 12.

Houstonians can now measure ozone levels in real-time with the Houston Clean Air Network, according to Houston CultureMap:

A collaboration between the University of Houston, Air Alliance Houston and the American Lung Association, the new website includes several sites from Lake Jackson to The Woodlands and their most recently measured ozone levels.

Users can check ozone levels before working out to help decide whether to run in the park versus at the gym, or pessimists can ruin their day by watching the sensors all go from green (“good,” 0-60 ozone parts per billion) in the morning to yellow (“moderate,” 60-76) orange (“warning,” 76-96) and red (“unhealthy,” 96-116).

Based on one day’s observation, the numbers are depressing but not surprising. The outlying areas tend to have lower ozone levels than the inner city sensors, with the petrochemical-heavy Clear Lake area consistently showing the worst air quality by a small but significant margin.

It’s the first real-time information about smog levels. There’s also information about what ozone is, how it’s created and how to limit exposure.

Visit the Houston Clean Air Network website here.