ATLANTA - The air quality in the metro Atlanta area is expected to be better Friday. <br>
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There's a Code Yellow - or moderate - alert. That means the air is expected to be safe for most people. <br>
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However, people with heart and lung diseases should avoid prolonged exertion during the late afternoon and evening when pollution usually reaches its highest levels. <br>
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The metro area had its worst smog day in nearly two years on Wednesday when pollution levels hit the Code Purple stage for the first time since August 2000. That designation meant the air was unhealthy for nearly everyone in the evening hours. <br>
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The air quality was only slightly better yesterday, reaching the Code Red mark for the fourth time this year. <br>
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The highest concentrations of smog were recorded east of downtown Atlanta in Conyers and southeast of downtown in McDonough. <br>
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Pollution also exceeded federal clean air standards in south DeKalb County, Fayetteville and Grant Park in Atlanta.
