Fulton Monitoring Smoke Conditions
Update Regarding Smoke Conditions in Fulton County
October 02, 2024
The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency is continuing to coordinate with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Fulton County Board of Health, and other agencies regarding the BioLab fire in Rockdale County and its effects on Fulton County.
At this time, chlorine levels in the air are at safe levels and there are no active advisories in place in Fulton County. Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency has issued a shelter-in-place advisory that applies within in Rockdale County.
While wind patterns this week have been primarily in an easterly direction, weather forecasts show that winds are expected to shift in a westerly direction starting Wednesday night. This shift in wind patterns may increase the presence of smoke and airborne chlorine in Fulton County and other parts of the state located west of Rockdale County.
It is predicted that haze and chlorine smell will be most noticeable in parts of Fulton County in the morning hours starting on Thursday, October 3. This pattern may last for several days, possibly through Sunday, October 6.
Fire departments across Fulton County are continuing air quality monitoring. AFCEMA is coordinating with these agencies.
The Georgia Poison Center has shared additional guidance about exposure to irritant gases such as chlorine.
Chlorine has a very low odor threshold, meaning that it can be smelled before it reaches a harmful level.
Smoke that contains chlorine compounds can cause various symptoms including irritation of the eyes and airways, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes, or a runny nose. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Limiting your exposure to the smoke and taking precautions to protect your health is important.
• Limit your activities outdoors and stay inside and away from the smoke.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Run your air conditioner only if you can close the fresh air intake and use re-circulated air.
• The elderly, children, and people with compromised immune systems should stay indoors or limit outdoor activities to prevent exposure to smoke.
• If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow the advice of your doctor or other health care providers about your respiratory management plan and medicines.
Fulton County will continue to monitor conditions and provide additional updates as needed.
Residents can sign up for alerts from the Atlanta- Fulton County Emergency Management Agency at www.fultoncountyga.gov/falcon.
At this time, chlorine levels in the air are at safe levels and there are no active advisories in place in Fulton County. Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency has issued a shelter-in-place advisory that applies within in Rockdale County.
While wind patterns this week have been primarily in an easterly direction, weather forecasts show that winds are expected to shift in a westerly direction starting Wednesday night. This shift in wind patterns may increase the presence of smoke and airborne chlorine in Fulton County and other parts of the state located west of Rockdale County.
It is predicted that haze and chlorine smell will be most noticeable in parts of Fulton County in the morning hours starting on Thursday, October 3. This pattern may last for several days, possibly through Sunday, October 6.
Fire departments across Fulton County are continuing air quality monitoring. AFCEMA is coordinating with these agencies.
The Georgia Poison Center has shared additional guidance about exposure to irritant gases such as chlorine.
Chlorine has a very low odor threshold, meaning that it can be smelled before it reaches a harmful level.
Smoke that contains chlorine compounds can cause various symptoms including irritation of the eyes and airways, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes, or a runny nose. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Limiting your exposure to the smoke and taking precautions to protect your health is important.
• Limit your activities outdoors and stay inside and away from the smoke.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Run your air conditioner only if you can close the fresh air intake and use re-circulated air.
• The elderly, children, and people with compromised immune systems should stay indoors or limit outdoor activities to prevent exposure to smoke.
• If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow the advice of your doctor or other health care providers about your respiratory management plan and medicines.
Fulton County will continue to monitor conditions and provide additional updates as needed.
Residents can sign up for alerts from the Atlanta- Fulton County Emergency Management Agency at www.fultoncountyga.gov/falcon.