Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > July > 09 > Entry
Breathe easier in a smoggy Atlanta.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The right view of our pretty city on a sunny day will give you…not a very nice view at all.
Something like this.
Ewwwwww.
It’s nitrogen oxides from cars, trucks and power plants combined with volatile organic compounds from trees and vegetation. Then add sunshine that bakes it into ground-level ozone. Take a shallow breath, everyone — that’s smog, and we’ve got lots of it.
Sure, I knew that before I moved here: big city, more pollution, no surprises. But it’s been a while since I’ve lived any place where the morning news has the smog report as a standard feature. What can I say? I like breathing.
But Atlanta is No. 12 on the American Lung Association’s 2008 list of cities with the worst ozone (smog) pollution, and No. 6 for year-round particle pollution.
Our worst smog summer was 1999. Our levels have gotten better, but the Environmental Protection Agency still says 1 million people are at risk because of air pollution, in particular active children who spend a lot of time outdoors, active adults who exercise outdoors and people with asthma or other lung conditions. (Peachtree Road Racers, yeah, that included you.)
Here’s a metro Atlanta smog report that is updated hourly, and includes all kinds of interesting and gross background. And here’s a handy story from reporter Stacy Shelton that tells you more than you want to know about the air you’re breathing.
Want to do something about it? Check out the Clean Air Campaign, which offers rewards to people who change their commute, and offers smog alerts and tips.
Newcomers, do you notice the smog having an impact on you? Long-timers, what do you do to breathe easier?
Comments
By Maura
July 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
My allergies are worse. Thanks, smog!