August 31, 2025

Georgia Ranked Worst in Air Quality in the U.S.

News Summary

A recent study reveals that Georgia has the worst air quality in the United States, equating to health risks comparable to smoking 147 cigarettes annually per resident. The findings, which highlight significant concerns regarding PM2.5 pollution, show Atlanta is the third worst in the Southeast for ozone pollution. Factors contributing to the decline include transportation emissions and possible rollbacks in Clean Air Act regulations. Health risks linked to poor air quality are alarming, particularly for vulnerable populations. There is an urgent need for improved air quality monitoring and regulatory efforts to protect public health.

Atlanta

A recent study has revealed that Georgia is ranked worst in the United States for air quality, correlating to the health risks of smoking 147 cigarettes annually for every resident. The findings highlight significant concerns regarding fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and its impact on public health across the state.

The study, conducted by HouseFresh, analyzed average PM2.5 concentrations across all 50 states and converted these measurements into cannabis equivalents. The full study is accessible on HouseFresh’s website for those seeking more detailed information.

According to data from the Atlanta Regional Commission, about 10% of air pollution in the region is attributable to transportation. The American Lung Association’s 2025 annual air quality index indicated failing grades for smog and air pollution, signifying ongoing challenges in maintaining healthy air quality levels.

Specific Rankings and Findings

In terms of specific rankings, Atlanta ranks the third worst in the Southeast for ozone pollution and fourth worst for year-round particle pollution. Alarmingly, the city’s air quality grade for ground-level ozone pollution has declined from a C to an F, recording 5.5 unhealthy air days per year—a notable increase from 1.8 days based on previous assessments.

On a broader scale, Atlanta’s positioning dropped to 48th worst out of 228 cities in ozone emissions, making it the third worst metropolitan area in the Southeast. Furthermore, in the 2024 findings, the city was ranked 67th worst nationally, indicating a significant deterioration of air quality.

The latest report suggests that Atlanta received a failing grade for short-term increases in particle pollution levels that exceeded federal standards, a decline from its 34th worst position out of 204 nationally for particle pollution in the previous report.

Contributing Factors

Several factors have been identified as contributing to the worsening air quality, particularly shifts during the end of the pandemic that disrupted air traffic patterns. Major health risks linked to poor air quality include asthma, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births, lung cancer, and premature death. Vulnerable populations, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at an even greater risk.

The American Lung Association highlights that significant air pollution emissions reductions have occurred since 2010. However, it raises concerns over possible rollbacks in Clean Air Act regulations, especially following recent exemptions allowing specific power plants to bypass federal emission regulations for pollutants such as mercury.

Power generation and manufacturing are also major sources of air pollution in Georgia, with emissions from vehicles in metropolitan areas particularly underscored as a priority for reduction efforts.

Need for Monitoring and Future Outlook

The report emphasizes the necessity for improved air quality monitoring, noting that only 27 of Georgia’s 159 counties are equipped with air quality measurement devices. As a point of interest, while Augusta has been recognized among the cleanest cities nationwide for ozone smog, it shares Atlanta’s ranking for fourth worst in the Southeast regarding year-round particle pollution. Additionally, Savannah’s air quality grade has fallen from an “A” to a “B” due to heightened ozone levels.

In summary, nearly half of the U.S. population lives in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels, and experts identify worsening air quality as linked to extreme heat and wildfires both within Georgia and throughout the nation. As Georgia faces the challenges of deteriorating air quality, continued efforts in monitoring, regulation, and emission reductions will be vital for improving public health outcomes.

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Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER

AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER

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