Atlanta is now meeting federal ozone standards. The colorless, odorless gas is partially formed from pollution from car and truck tailpipes, and it can have bad effects on people’s health, aggravating asthma and other lung issues, as well as cardiac health.
Multiple factors contributed to lowering Atlanta’s ozone levels, which are now meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards set in 2015, including less commuting during the pandemic.
Jane Spann, an environmental engineer with the EPA based in Atlanta, said state and federal measures made a difference, including permitting requirements on new industrial facilities and federal fuel standards for vehicles.
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