News Summary
Recent findings from the American Lung Association’s 2025 State of the Air report reveal that Atlanta’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, receiving failing grades in smog and pollution. The report highlights Atlanta as the third worst city in the Southeast for ozone pollution and indicates rising unhealthy days for residents. Health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, are increasing due to poor air quality. The report calls for better monitoring systems and emphasizes the ongoing challenges facing the city as it grapples with air pollution amidst efforts for cleaner air.
Atlanta’s Air Quality Deteriorates: American Lung Association Reports Failing Grades in Smog and Pollution
Atlanta is facing a troubling situation as recent findings indicate a significant decline in the city’s air quality. The American Lung Association’s 2025 State of the Air report has handed failing grades to Atlanta, revealing alarming levels of smog and air pollution.
Worrisome Rankings
The report places Atlanta as the third worst city in the Southeast for ozone pollution and the fourth worst for year-round particle pollution. This assessment is based on data collected between 2021 and 2023, which followed a period of reduced traffic due to pandemic restrictions.
Unhealthy Days on the Rise
Atlanta has received a dismal “F” grade for ground-level ozone pollution. In fact, residents experienced an average of 5.5 unhealthy days per year, a sharp increase from just 1.8 days in 2024. Furthermore, Atlanta’s ozone emissions have dropped significantly in national rankings, now sitting at 48th worst out of 228 cities, a decline from 67th in the previous year.
Short-Term Pollution Spikes
Adding to the burden, the report points out that short-term spikes in particle pollution above federal standards have also resulted in failing grades for the city. Atlanta ranks as the 34th worst city nationally for particle pollution and ties for fourth worst in the Southeast.
Seasonal Challenges
Ground-level ozone, a primary component of smog, is particularly problematic during the hotter summer months. Alarmingly, almost half of the U.S. population lives in regions with unhealthy air quality levels, raising serious health concerns.
Health Risks for Vulnerable Populations
Progress and Setbacks
While the Atlanta Regional Commission reports notable declines in air pollution emissions since 2010, transportation still accounts for roughly 10% of pollution in the region, along with power generation and manufacturing. Concerns continue to linger regarding potential rollbacks of Clean Air Act regulations and recent exemptions that allow power plants, including key facilities like Georgia Power’s Plant Bowen and Plant Scherer, to operate without adhering to federal emission standards.
Need for Monitoring and Insights
The report emphasizes the necessity for improved air quality monitoring in Georgia, where only 27 out of 159 counties are equipped with air quality measurement systems. Contrastingly, Augusta is highlighted as one of the cleanest areas nationally for ozone smog, although it shares a tie for fourth worst in the Southeast for year-round particle pollution.
Overall Pollution Threats
Other cities, including Savannah, have also seen declines in air quality, with Savannah’s ozone grade slipping from an “A” to a “B” due to increasing smog levels. Overall, rising pollution levels are linked to serious health issues such as asthma, heart disease, and even premature death.
As the fight for cleaner air continues, all eyes are on Atlanta to see how the city will respond to this urgent public health challenge.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Wildfire Wreaks Havoc in Ocean County, NJ
University Presidents Unite Against Federal Funding Threats
Georgia Physicians Face Legal Uncertainty Amid Abortion Ban
Electric School Buses Roll into Atlanta’s Future
Leadership Change at Georgia School of Orthodontics
MYAVANA Announces Strategic Partnership with Atlanta Barber Institute To Empower Hair Care Professionals Through Advanced AI Education
The Bus Center Atlanta Partners with Collins Bus Corporation
Celebrate Mother’s Day in Atlanta Without Breaking the Bank
Georgia Senate Advances Controversial DEI Bill
Atlanta Celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility Amid Legislative Challenges
Additional Resources
- Georgia Recorder
- AJC
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- CBS 46
- The Georgia Sun
- Wikipedia: Air Pollution
- Google Search: Air Quality Reports
- Google Scholar: Air Quality Health Effects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Pollution
- Google News: Atlanta Air Quality
