May 1st is the official start to smog season in Georgia; however, Atlanta experienced two “orange smog days” in March. Ground level ozone, or smog, is formed when nitrogen oxides (from cars and power plants) and volatile organic compounds (from fuels, paints, solvents, and vegetation) combine with sunlight, which is why smog season runs from May through September. Ozone levels are highest in the afternoon and evening after being “cooked” by the sun all day. Smog can cause asthma attacks and can reduce lung function in healthy people. Hospital visits by children increase 37 percent during smog season.

Smog days are color coded, ranging from green to purple. Orange is designated as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” and red is “unhealthy” for everyone, especially children, who take in more air per pound than adults and are more sensitive to air quality. You can receive smog alerts to your email every day by visiting the Clean Air Campaign’s website. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has a color-coded chart with appropriate activities based on the smog levels. Smog is not only problem in Atlanta, but also in counties in middle Georgia and the northwestern part of the state.

Smog is not the only air pollution problem in Georgia. Particulate matter (PM), or soot, is a problem all year long, as it does not require sunlight to form, and is hazardous to everyone’s health. Fine particulate matter is 1/30 the width of a human hair, which can lodge deep into people’s lungs, causing long term respiratory problems. It is emitted from power plants and vehicle tailpipes. You can find PM levels by the hour at the Air Quality Index for Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, North Georgia Mountains, and Savannah.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your impact on Georgia’s air quality:

1. Drive less: walk, bike or take transit to your destination.
2. Fill up your vehicle in the evening: 8:00 p.m. or later.
3. Do not idle your vehicle longer than 30 seconds.
4. Combine errands into one trip.
5. Turn off appliances, inclu ding lights, when not in use (which reduces your electricity consumption and thus reduces the need for electricity).
6. Change incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones.
7. Purchase Energy Star appliances.
8. Purchase local food (which reduces the amount of fuel required to ship food).
9. Move your thermostat 1-3 degrees cooler (in winter months) or warmer (in summer months) to reduce your heating and cooling needs.
10. Advocate for cleaner fuels and better air protection policies with Mothers & Others for Clean Air.

Some tips to protect you and your family from smog and soot:

1. Limit outdoor activity.
2. Sign up for smog alerts.
3. Commute during non-peak times.

top | back