Atlanta's Smog Alerts Have Already Doubled From 2015

Atlanta, GA -- Atlanta’s 2016 smog season has set record-setting frequency, already doubling the smog alerts of 2015, according to Georgia Commute Options, the state DOT's program designed to promote driving alternatives.

In October 2015, the EPA set a new “breakpoint” for ozone — lowering the health standard from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb. Since ozone is one of several pollutants that can trigger Smog Alerts, lower breakpoints mean more alerts, even when the ozone concentration is the same as in previous years.

These new EPA standards, set to improve public health and reduce air pollution, prompt smog alerts at lower pollution levels.

The smog alerts have primarily been classified as Code Orange, which can mean unhealthy air for children, the elderly and people with heart and lung conditions.

Required by the Clean Air Act to reevaluate pollution health standards every five years, the EPA set the new standard to help continue the downward trend of air pollution seen over the past several years. According to the American Lung Association’s 2016 State of the Air, Metro Atlanta ranks 52nd for the most ozone-polluted city in the US; in 2000, Atlanta was ninth. However, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America still designates Atlanta as its No. 13 U.S. asthma capital.

Georgia Commute Options is continuing to encourage carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, teleworking, walking or biking to work.