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A message from the The Clean Air Campaign, which reminds
metro Atlantans about the risk of poor air quality and provides
activity guidelines to help us all through this (unfortunately)
annual routine:
Spring is in the air, which can only mean smog season is
just around the corner. While air pollution is a year-round
issue, it is especially important as it relates to human health
during smog season, which runs from May 1 through September
30. During these months, increased heat and sunlight combine
with airborne pollutants to form ground-level ozone, and ozone
can be hazardous for some populations, especially children
and the elderly.
Thirteen counties in metro Atlanta have been classified by
the U.S. EPA as a "serious" nonattainment area for ground-level
ozone, a major component of smog. In fact, metro Atlanta has
recorded exceedences of these standards each year since ground-level
ozone monitoring began in 1980. In 2002, the region experienced
38 days when ozone levels were considered unhealthy for some
or all of the population. When these days are forecast, The
Clean Air Campaign issues a Smog Alert.
However, smog season doesn't necessarily mean that you need
to avoid outdoor activity completely. Ozone concentrations
can vary significantly over the course of the day, with the
highest concentrations occurring between 3 and 7 p.m. This
means that, even on days when smog levels are projected to
be high, it may still be safe to exercise and enjoy other
outdoor activities in the morning and evening hours. The color-coded
Air Quality Index (AQI), used to communicate smog levels,
can help you determine on which days exposure may impact you
and your family.
You and your family can also breathe a little easier by being
part of the solution to air pollution. By choosing a commute
alternative, you can help reduce air pollution - and break
free from the daily cycle of traffic congestion and frustration.
By carpooling, teleworking or taking transit - even occasionally
- you help decrease the amount of smog-forming emissions in
the atmosphere. You may also enjoy added benefits of less
stress, more money and less wear and tear on your car.
As we move into the 2003 smog season, think about how you
can free yourself from traffic congestion. Altering your driving
behavior can make a difference in the quality of your life
and in the quality of our air. By using alternatives to driving
alone you can experience less stress, save money and be more
productive while also helping clean up the air.
To sign up to receive Smog Alert notifications via email,
review the AQI or to find out what The Clean Air Campaign
can do for you, visit cleanaircampaign.com, or call 1-877-CLEANAIR.
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