The problem prompted Gov. Zell Miller to sign an executive order requiring all state agencies, departments and universities in the 13-county area to submit a detailed ozone action plan by March 31. The order called for plans that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips by 20 percent. Our aim is that every state employee carpools or takes mass transit or telecommutes at least one day a week as a common practice. The EPD has a team of forecasters who meet every day to forecast the next day's ozone levels. The warnings had an impact.
Ozone is a colorless gas.
It forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds combine in sunlight. May 13 was Atlanta's first ozone action day this year. Pollutants from cars, trucks and other sources merge with hot, stagnant air to create high ozone levels. Ground-level ozone is a serious lung irritant. High ozone levels can cause breathing difficulties in the elderly, children, athletes, people who work outside and those with respiratory problems.