Code Orange Alert issued in metro Atlanta this afternoon. Here’s what that means. – WSB-TV Channel 2

Sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory illnesses, should avoid being outdoors for a prolonged period later this afternoon.

The alert is usually issued when the air quality index (AQI) is between 101 and 150. This means that the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups and affected people should limit efforts exteriors.

TRENDING STORIES:

Affected people include people with lung diseases such as asthma, children and adolescents, the elderly, and people who are regularly active outdoors for six or more hours a day.

A healthy AQI value is 50 or lower, while an AQI above 300 represents hazardous air quality. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, five major pollutants that can affect air quality are:

• Ozone at ground level
• Particle pollution
• Carbon monoxide
• Sulfur dioxide
• Nitrogen dioxide

For more information on how AQI works, click here.

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