Metro Atlanta is under a Code Orange Air Quality Alert, issued earlier this morning, according to a report from WSB-TV 2.
What is a Code Orange Alert?
Before you start worrying, let us break it down for you. A Code Orange Alert deals with the air quality in the city. Basically it means, if possible, certain groups of people should avoid being outside if they can, due to poor air quality. WSB-TV 2 reports, “Sensitive groups, like those with respiratory illnesses, should avoid being outdoors for a prolonged period of time later this afternoon.”
When is a Code Orange issued?
A Code Orange air quality is in the middle of the spectrum of air quality. It is issued when the air quality has reached a level that is ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ The Air Quality Index (AQI) is between a 101 – 150 in a Code Orange. ‘Good’ AQI is anything below 50.
Sensitive groups include “people with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults and people routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day,” according to WSB-TV 2.
AirNow, which details the Air Quality Index basics, says that many factors can influence the AQI, including:
- Ground-level ozone
- Particle Pollution
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
Air Quality Index Explained by Code Level
There are six levels of AQI, ranging from Good (Green) to Hazardous (Maroon), according to AirNow. The colors are as follows:
- Green – Good – AQI of 0-50: “Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.”
- Yellow – Moderate – AQI of 51-100: “Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.”
- Orange – Unhealthy to sensitive groups – AQI of 101-150: “Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.”
- Red – Unhealthy – AQI of 151-200: “Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.”
- Purple – Very Unhealthy – AQI of 201-300: “The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.”
- Maroon – Hazardous – AQI of 301+: “Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.”
The Code Orange Alert affects the Metro Atlanta area for Wednesday, June 12th, 2024. Stay safe out there, Atlanta!