Air Quality

The VOC number on the CAMP dashboard is a reading of total Volatile Organic Compounds measured by a photoionization detector (PID) with a 10.6 eV lamp. The PID detects may different VOCs but cannot tell them apart. Because some VOCs cause the PID to have a stronger response than others, the readings produced by this sensor are intended to provide a qualitative indication of the presence of VOC. A year to date average for each site is provided to give context to the current day’s average displayed on the dashboard.

VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that contain carbon and react in the atmosphere to form ozone.

The monitors are designed to trigger a sample canister when they detect high levels of VOC. The canisters can then be collected and taken to a lab for analysis. PCS is currently developing criteria for sample collection and is testing canister samples at 4 CAMP sites. Eventually, all the CAMP VOC monitoring sites will be equipped with these canisters.

The VOC monitors at John Phelps and North Channel Library are provided by a different manufacturer than at PCS’ other monitoring sites. The factory calibration of these two monitors produces higher baseline readings than our other sites. PCS will normalize the readings between the two different models of VOC monitor in an upcoming round of calibrations.

PM is the mixture of extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air (dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, ash, metals and allergens), and other various solid and liquid hazardous chemicals found in the atmosphere.

Particulate Matter is classified according to size. PM2.5 are “Fine inhalable particles,” that are 2.5 microns in diameter and smaller. PM1 are “Ultra-fine inhalable particles,” that are 1 micron in diameter and smaller. PM10 are "Inhalable coarse particles," that are 10 microns in diameter and smaller. PM2.5 and PM1 are of greatest concern to human health. They can get deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream where they may cause adverse health effects. Larger particles are of less concern as they tend to collect in the upper portion of the respiratory system.

PCS plans to post cannister sample results on the PCS website. Currently, canister sample data from the four canister sample test locations are available on request.

PCS will periodically remove data that is not valid because it was collected during monitor maintenance or is the result of malfunction.

If you live in the unincorporated area of Harris County or within the city limits of any city in Harris County, except Houston, you can call us at (713) 920-2831, 24 hours per day.

If you live within Houston City limits, call 311. Call (832) 393-5730 to report pollution within the City of Houston if you are calling from a non-Houston phone number. If you live outside Harris County, call the TCEQ at (713) 767-3500.

Your name will be kept confidential.

If you live in the unincorporated areas of Harris County you can burn trash and leaves produced at your residence if you do not have regular garbage service provided by a government agency. You should check your deed restrictions also. You cannot burn any material generated by a business. If you live inside the Houston City Limits contact the Bureau of Air Quality Control at (713) 640-4200 for information on burning. If you live inside the city limits of any other city, call your city health department or fire marshal.

You may not cause a nuisance to your neighbors under any circumstances.

Harris County does not issue any air permits. The state agency Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the permitting authority. Pollution Control Services coordinates with both the TCEQ Region 12 Office located in Houston (713) 767-3500 and the Central Office located in Austin (512) 239-1000 concerning activities that require and issuance of air permits.

The EPA has designated Harris County as being in moderate nonattainment of its 8-hour ozone standard. Harris County participates with other state and local agencies in maintaining a monitoring network to provide the public with current ozone data and advisories.

Ozone (O3) is a compound containing three oxygen atoms. Molecules of normal oxygen (O2) are composed of two oxygen atoms. Ozone can be found in the upper atmosphere and at ground level. It occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere where it blocks harmful UV radiation. It forms at ground level when pollutants react to form photochemical smog. Ozone is highly reactive and at high concentrations it may corrode metals, degrade plastics, and cause respiratory irritation. For more information, view our Ozone Page.

Particulate matter is the term for particles found in the air including dust, dirt, smoke, soot and liquid droplets. Particles can be suspended in the air for long periods of time. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as dust or smoke. Others are so small that they can be seen only with an electron microscope. Some particles are directly emitted into the air. They come from a variety of sources such as smoking vehicles, construction sites, tilled fields, unpaved roads, stone crushing, and open burning. Other particles are formed in the air from chemical reactions of gases in the presence of sunlight and water vapor. They result from emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds-gases emitted by cars, power plants, industrial plants, gasoline dispensing facilities, painting operations, and natural sources. For more information follow this link.

The Federal Clean Air Act regulates 187 chemicals that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental effects.

Listed hazardous air pollutants include benzene, which is widely used in the United States; it ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume. Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals that are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. For more information follow this link.

1,3-Butadiene is a chemical made from the processing of petroleum. Most of the 1,3-Butadiene manufactured is used in the production of synthetic rubber. It is also used in the production of plastics and acrylics. These synthetic materials are used to manufacture automotive tires and tire products, automotive hoses, belts, seals, and gaskets. It is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of some fungicides, and in the manufacture of latex adhesives, nylon carpet backing, paper coatings, pipes, conduits, electrical components and luggage. Small levels of 1,3-Butadiene are found in gasoline. For more information follow this link.

Dioxin, asbestos, toluene, and metals such as cadmium, mercury and chromium compounds are also air toxics. For more information on HCPCS’ Environmental Toxins Control Program, including Air Toxics, please view our Environmental Toxins Control Program Web Page.