The 2013 ozone season begins March 1 and ends October 31. An ozone season is a period of time in which ground-level ozone, the primary type of air pollution in the North Texas region, typically reaches its highest concentrations as nitrogen oxides mix with volatile organic compounds in intense sunlight, often exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard.

High concentrations of ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation and lung damage. People that suffer from lung diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, asthma and colds have even more trouble breathing when the air is polluted.

Be Air Aware, Air North Texas' public outreach campaign, offers guidance to individuals, governments and business on strategies to reduce ozone-causing pollution. One strategy is to avoid idling vehicles. Instead of going through drive-through lanes, park and go inside.

 Visit AirNorthTexas.org for Air North Texas tips and the importance of implementing them on Air Pollution Watch days.