Gwinnett County earned an "F" grade from the American Lung Association for its ozone pollution levels, a new study shows.
Ozone levels increased nationwide in 2016, the most recent year with complete data, and Gwinnett was not exempt, according to ALA spokeswoman Britney Reddick. Gwinnett had an average of 4.2 high ozone days per year between 2014 and 2016, nearly identical to the national average, according to the study, which analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency.
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Ozone is a harmful oxygen molecule that is found in high concentrations where there are high levels of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, often caused by cars. Heavy traffic in metro Atlanta is a likely contributor to Gwinnett County's ozone levels, Reddick said.
High ozone days are days occur when heat and sunlight can increase the levels of ozone in the air, which can irritate people's respiratory systems. The fewer high ozone days, the better the air quality; the ideal number of high ozone days is zero.
In metro Atlanta, DeKalb and Fulton counties also received "F"s for their ozone pollution score in the report. Cobb County received a "D".
High ozone levels can be harmful to people's health, especially those who are prone to respiratory problems including asthma. Exposure to high levels of ozone can make it difficult to breathe, increase the frequency of asthma attacks and make the lungs more susceptible to infection, according to the EPA.
Gwinnett residents should keep an eye on weather reports and take precautions on high ozone days. People who exercise outside should do so when the temperature is at its lowest in order to minimize their ozone exposure, and commuters should carpool in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Reddick said.
Gwinnett’s full report card from the ALA also included a “B” for daily particle pollution levels and a passing grade for annual particle pollution. It’s still safe to go outside, Reddick said.
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