Air Quality In Atlanta: A Troubling Reality

Atlanta, Georgia, is a fast-growing city with a sprawling urban landscape, an ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road, and a range of industrial processes contributing to air pollution. The primary sources of air pollution in Atlanta are nitrogen oxides, which come mainly from vehicle emissions, fuel combustion, industrial processes, and fires, and volatile organic compounds, which are released from plants and animals. The city's air quality is further impacted by ground-level ozone, a highly reactive and irritating gas molecule formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react under extreme sunlight. Atlanta's warm summers contribute to higher ozone levels, and the city has been rated an F for ozone pollution. Fine particle pollution, composed of ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, and metals, is another key concern, with Atlanta receiving a passing grade of B in this area. Efforts to improve air quality in Atlanta involve meeting air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and implementing strategies to reduce emissions, such as investing in public transportation and clean energy production.

Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant in Atlanta

Ground-level ozone is a significant air pollutant in Atlanta, with the city receiving a failing grade for ozone pollution. Ozone is a highly reactive and irritating gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not emitted directly but is formed when primary pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), react under sunlight. This secondary nature of ground-level ozone makes it challenging to manage.

In Atlanta, mobile vehicular emissions are the primary source of nitrogen oxides, contributing a significant 67%. This is not surprising given Atlanta's reputation for traffic congestion and urban sprawl. The average daily commute for residents is 34.2 miles, the fourth-highest in the country. The other sources of nitrogen oxides include fuel combustion (18%), industrial processes (5%), and fires (4%). Vehicular emissions are also a factor in the release of volatile organic compounds, although to a lesser extent, with the majority coming from plants and animals (84%) and a minor contribution from mobile vehicular emissions (6%).

The presence of these precursor pollutants, combined with increased sunlight and heat during the summer months, leads to elevated ozone levels in Atlanta during this period. This trend is common across cities in the northern hemisphere. The months from May to September in 2019 had the highest air quality index levels, consistently rated as "moderate" and exceeding federal standards.

The effects of ground-level ozone on human health can be severe. When inhaled, ozone chemically reacts with lung tissue, causing respiratory issues such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and even respiratory infections. Sensitive individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, are particularly vulnerable. In Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, there is a significant number of people with asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular disease who are at risk of experiencing health complications due to ozone pollution.

Addressing ground-level ozone pollution in Atlanta is crucial to protecting public health and quality of life. While the city has made some progress in meeting federal attainment levels for annual and 24-hour PM2.5 exposure, ozone levels remain a concern. Encouraging the use of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles, such as electric and hybrid cars, could help reduce vehicular emissions and, consequently, ozone formation.

Nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and vehicular emissions

Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its heavy traffic and sprawling urban development. Vehicular emissions are a significant source of air pollution in the city. Atlanta ranks second in the US for air pollution from motor vehicles.

Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a group of toxic gases that contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain. In Atlanta, mobile vehicular emissions are the leading cause of nitrogen oxide pollution, accounting for 67% of total emissions. Other sources include fuel combustion (18%), industrial processes (5%), and fires (4%). Vehicular emissions are a major source of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a key precursor to ozone pollution.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. While releases from plants and animals account for most VOCs in Atlanta, vehicular emissions are still a contributing factor, making up 6% of the total.

Vehicular Emissions

Cars and trucks are responsible for a significant amount of air pollution in Atlanta. Vehicle emissions account for 71% of airborne lead (Pb), 67% of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), 57% of carbon dioxide (CO), 6% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 5% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and 2% of coarse particulate matter (PM10).

Overall, Atlanta's air quality is generally considered acceptable for most individuals. However, sensitive groups may experience symptoms with long-term exposure, and everyone is advised to limit outdoor activity when air pollution levels are high.

Particulate matter and particle pollution

Particle pollution, or particulate matter (PM), refers to the tiny bits of particles in the air produced by various sources, including car and truck exhaust, power plants, manufacturing facilities, and industrial processes. In Atlanta, fine particle pollution is a mix of ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals, and other pollutants. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to fine particle pollution can lead to seven million premature deaths each year worldwide.

Vehicles play a significant role in Atlanta's particle pollution. Vehicle emissions account for a substantial portion of the city's airborne lead, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine and coarse particulate matter. Atlanta is well-known for its traffic and city sprawl, with residents driving upwards of 100 million miles per day. The average daily commute in Atlanta is 34.2 miles, the fourth-highest in the country.

In addition to vehicle emissions, other sources of particle pollution in Atlanta include biomass burning, pyrolyzed carbon, dust, and industrial processes. Wildfires and transported Saharan dust episodes have also been linked to elevated summer levels of particle pollution in the city.

To address the issue of particle pollution, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has developed various tools and strategies. The ARC utilizes the AREES system to spatially depict air quality, focusing on particulate matter concentrations resulting from the transportation system. Additionally, the CMAQ emissions calculator helps identify changes in emissions and vehicle miles travelled, aiding in the development of strategies to mitigate congestion and improve air quality.

Strategies to reduce air pollution in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia, has been rated an "F" for ozone pollution by the American Lung Association in its 2020 State of the Air report. The city's air quality tends to average 40 "code orange" days a year, when the air is deemed unhealthy, particularly for sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. On these days, the CDC estimates a 35% increase in hospital visits for respiratory-related illnesses.

Ozone is a highly reactive and irritating gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. It is formed in the air from the existence of other pollutants reacting under sunlight. When breathed in, ozone chemically reacts with lung tissue, causing a range of health complications.

To reduce air pollution in Atlanta, the following strategies can be implemented:

• Promote cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles: Atlanta can encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, which can help reduce air pollution levels. Incentivizing the shift towards electric vehicles through tax credits or other financial incentives can make these options more accessible and attractive to consumers.
• Improve public transportation: Increasing the availability of public transit routes and city sidewalks can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and the time people spend in traffic. This will help decrease vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
• Reduce vehicle emissions: Single-occupant vehicles are a significant contributor to air pollution in Atlanta. Encouraging carpooling, working from home, or choosing alternative forms of transportation can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and lower emissions.
• Address industrial and construction pollution: Industrial processes, construction activity, and traffic are major sources of air pollution in Atlanta. Implementing stricter emission standards and regulations for industries and construction sites can help reduce the release of pollutants into the air.
• Raise awareness and provide information: Educating the public about air pollution and its health impacts can empower individuals to take action. Providing real-time air quality data and Smog Alerts can help people plan ahead and take precautionary measures to reduce their pollution exposure.
• Invest in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure: Encouraging active transportation through the development of bicycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly spaces can reduce vehicle usage and emissions, improving air quality.

Health effects of air pollution

Atlanta, Georgia, has an Air Quality Index (AQI) that is generally "good" or "acceptable" for most individuals. However, sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation, especially on "unhealthy ozone days".

Air pollution in Atlanta, and more broadly, has been linked to a range of adverse health effects. The sources of air pollution in Atlanta are primarily mobile vehicular emissions (67%), fuel combustion (18%), industrial processes (5%), and fires (4%). This mixture of pollutants includes ozone, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.

Ozone, a highly reactive gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, irritates the lungs and causes coughing, difficulty breathing, and respiratory infections. It can also lead to premature death. Nitrogen oxides, formed primarily by the transportation sector, contribute to the development and exacerbation of asthma and bronchitis and increase the risk of heart disease.

Particulate matter, made up of small airborne particles like dust, soot, and liquid droplets, poses significant health risks. Coarse particles can cause nasal and upper respiratory tract issues, while fine particles penetrate deeper into the lungs, leading to heart attacks, strokes, asthma, bronchitis, and premature death from heart and lung ailments.

The health impacts of air pollution extend beyond physical ailments. Studies indicate a correlation between air quality and mental health. Individuals in areas with poor air quality exhibit higher rates of bipolar disorder and major depression. Additionally, low-income communities and minority groups are more vulnerable to the adverse health and economic impacts of air pollution, experiencing higher rates of psychosocial distress and chronic stress.

Overall, air pollution in Atlanta and other cities poses a serious threat to public health, contributing to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders, and premature death.

Frequently asked questions