Wednesday, May 1, 2002
|
Wednesday, May 1, 2002 |
|
Smog season starts May 1 The Clean Air Campaign reminds residents that hot summer months bring risk of poor air quality. Spring is in the air, which can only mean smog season is just around the corner. From May 1 to Sept. 30, Georgia's hot, sunny weather makes it more likely ground-level ozone levels will exceed federal air quality limits. 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 2001, the region experienced 20 days when ozone levels were considered unhealthy for some or all of the population. In 1999, that number was 46. Ground-level ozone, the primary component of smog, is created from a recipe of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, cooked by sunlight and high temperatures. When ozone combines with particulate matter, like aerosols, dust and soot; and other pollutants, smog is formed. Ozone levels can vary significantly over the course of the day, with the highest concentrations occurring between 3 and 7 p.m. Because of this, The Clean Air Campaign's health experts recommend that active people exercise in the mornings, at mid-day or at night on days when the ozone levels are expected to be high. Because reactions to ozone can vary from person to person, health officials also recommend that people pay close attention to their own reactions to outdoor exposure and activity, stop exercising if symptoms such as chest tightening or difficulty breathing develop. The Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded guide created by the U.S. EPA, can help you determine on which days exposure may impact you and your family. The forecasted AQI is posted at cleanaircampaign.com each day during smog season. While at the site, you can also sign up to receive emailed Smog Alerts sent out when the next day's AQI is projected to be in ranges unhealthy for some or all populations. The good news is that everyone can help reduce air pollution by reducing the number of miles they drive. Mobile sources like cars and trucks contribute to smog formation, so using alternative commuting options like carpooling, transit and teleworking do make a difference. Not only do these changes result in less smog pollution, they also enhance quality of life by offering benefits like reduced commuting costs, time saved from avoiding gridlock and increased productivity. For example, teleworking just one day each week can save the average metro Atlanta commuter 67 hours each year that's time that can be better spent with families or even getting more work done. As we move into the 2002 smog season, keep these alternatives in mind. Altering your driving behavior can make a difference in the quality of our air and the quality of our lives. Anyone interested in learning more about smog season and how The Clean Air Campaign can help can visit www.cleanaircampaign.com or call 1-877-CLEANAIR.
|
||