Air Quality in Atlanta

Supposedly, we have a significant chance of getting into a “code purple” situation with air quality here in Atlanta. It’s like a Category 4 hurricane….one more level until it’s as bad as it can get. Currently, as of 12:00 P.M. EST the AQI (Air Quality Index) is at 130, that puts us into the middle of Category Orange, which is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”

Category Orange is rated 101 to 150. In this range the outdoor air is more likely to be unhealthy for more people. Children, people who are sensitive to ozone, and people with heart of lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the afternoon or early evening when ozone levels are highest. In other words, the air blows.

The next level up is Category Red, is rated 151-200. In this range even more people will be affected by ozone. Most people should restrict their outdoor exertion to morning or late evening hours when the ozone is low, to avoid high ozone exposures.

The level after that is Category Purple, is rated 201-300. In this category increasingly more people will be affected by ozone. Most people should restrict their outdoor exertion to morning or late evening hours when the ozone is low, to avoid high ozone exposures.

The last level is Category Black, rated over 300. In this category everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion.

I’ll let you know how high we get. Our peak is usually around the 4 or 5 o’clock hour. So, there are a few more hours left.

-Steve