<pre><code> My son is now junior high, who really anticipates entering the Rice University at Houston. Problem is that he has such a weak lung and so asthma. We have never lived in there, but I heard that the area of Huston Houston has excessive ozone levels and is ranked among the most ozone-polluted cities in the United States. I am really worried about my sons health when he goes to the Rice University. I would like to know air condition in there is really too bad for the person like my son to live. It will be greatly appreciated if some tells me the air situation of the Houston area. Thanks.
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<p>There are many high-ozone days in Houston. On those days, people with respiratory problems are told to stay inside. You might want to check with Mothers for Clean Air, which is a local group that is concerned with the effects of air pollution on children's health. I'm sure they have a lot of helpful information. I don't know if this link will come through. If it doesn't just search for mothersforclearair.org Mothers</a> for Clean Air - Houston, TX</p>
<p>You should discuss this with your son's asthma doctor. Based on your S's sensitivies, triggers, and ability to control it through medication, he might want to choose a different area.</p>
<p>Talk to your son's doctor. I think it sounds like Houston is not a good city for him. </p>
<p>Is your son now a junior in high school, so he will be applying to colleges next fall? If you post what he is looking for in a college in the College Search forum, all of us members of College Confidential can help you and he think of colleges that might be good for him, in cities where the air is easier to breathe.</p>
<p>My kids grew up in Houston, and one is in grad school in Boston now. She found Boston unbearable this summer because so many places aren't air-conditioned. In Houston, EVERYWHERE inside is air-conditioned which I would guess is a positive environment for those with respiratory problems. There are many "ozone action" days, though, and schools had to check a local air quality site to see which days kids shouldn't spend time outside.</p>
<p>kcphobo does have a good point about the ever-present air conditioning here - it's possible to not be outside that much. Though your son may well want to look into a university in another city, I know several asthmatics who seem to manage just fine (I just don't know exactly how). I don't /think/ the ozone gets too bad on Rice campus, but I also admit that I haven't been paying very close attention to the weather reports. Er, sorry.</p>