Metro Atlanta Smog Season is May 1st through September 30th each year.
During these months the often high teperatures combine with emissions from cars, trucks, airplanes and industries to create a type of pollution called low-level ozone.
Poor air quality is harmful to health. Particle pollution increases risks to the cardiac system. While low levels may not cause noticeable symptoms, airways and air flow may be effected. On high smog days, symptoms may develop, including shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness or pain. Those exercising outdoors may find that their stamina is diminished.
Hospitals and physicians’ offices often see an increase in asthma in children and attacks appear to worsen or become more numerous during Smog Season.
Seven percent of Georgia adults and ten percent of children are reported to be asthmatics.
Why are children so vulnerable to pollution-caused lung problems?
Asthma is more common in young children.
Children breathe more and faster than adults do.
Children are more active and more likely to play outdoors.
Of course, children are not the only ones at risk. Georgia health officials say asthma, which is exacerbated by smog, affects 212,000 of the state's children and 480,000 adults. Their advice: Stay inside more, and limit outdoor play time and outdoor workouts to the morning before ozone levels start to peak. The respiratory system, the heart, and the immune system are all threatened by poor air quality. Therefore, our elderly, and those people with respiratory and cardiac disease, are also vulnerable.
The Clean Air Campaign suggests the following ways to help protect your health:
Be Aware Of Your Symptoms
Some people are more sensitive than others. If you feel respiratory symptoms when the air pollution levels rise, do not ignore them. They may indicate a reaction to ozone, particle pollution, or other pollutants. People with heart or lung conditions are unusually sensitive, but even healthy athletes may have a reaction at AQI levels well below 100.
Be Aware Of Current Air Quality Levels And The Forecast For The Next Day
Check cleanaircampaign.com daily or sign up to receive Smog Alerts by email. If the air is forecast to be unhealthy, you'll receive an emailed Alert around 2 PM on the day before.
Minimize Your Exposure
While outdoor exercise is good for health, you should consider limiting your outdoor exercise at times when air quality is poor, such as late afternoons and early evenings in the summer on high-ozone days. Alternatives include indoor exercise, or exercise in the morning or late evening hours. Get The Clean Air Campaign's complete Health Advisory guidelines on physical activity during smog season.
Change Your Activities
When particle pollution concentrations are expected to be high, take it easy. Particle pollution levels can be high inside as well as out, so cut back or reschedule strenuous activities. Changing your plans can help reduce the amount of pollutants that get in your lungs.
If You Have Asthma Or A Cardiac Condition, Treat It
Follow your doctor's instructions faithfully. This will likely include taking medications and eliminating exposures at home or work that may tend to trigger your condition. Help Prevent Poor Air Quality You can help protect your health, and your community's health, by taking steps such as carpooling, teleworking, and using transit. A clean air lifestyle can have a positive impact on your health.
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