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The quality of our health is determined by a variety of factors - access to clean air and water are chief among them. Exposure to excessive air pollution is the largest cause of environmental death in the United States, and BIPOC are 75 percent more likely to live near high polluting facilities. This is no accident. Powerful fossil fuel companies target communities of color for their poison belching plants, knowing that these communities generally have little to no leverage with elected officials. Opportunistic politicians dole out permits allowing industry to blight Black and brown neighborhoods for the prize of a campaign contribution and the chance to tout job growth during the next election.

Living in areas with high concentrations of air pollution is one factor that contributes to higher rates of asthma, respiratory illness, and lung and heart disease among Black and Latinx populations. As we continue to wrestle with the COVID-19 pandemic, this is especially concerning.

Georgia WAND continues to work in marginalized communities that are adversely affected by air pollution. We work to build the economic, political and cultural power of these communities, enabling them to be active and formidable participants in the decisions that shape their destinies. 


Learn More About Air Pollution:

  • You can check on the air quality forecast for your zip code at AirNow.gov. They also have a variety of helpful publications and animated resources for learning about air pollution. 

  • In Brunswick, Black residents are fighting to hold many of the industries polluting the air accountable. 

  • The American Lung Association reports higher rates of air pollution in Atlanta are causing increased rates of asthma among low-income residents. 

  • The American Lung Association’s 2021 reports says in Augusta, the air quality was worse off for ozone and year-round pollution - and the area is now the 28th most polluted for year-round particle pollution. 

  • The Air Protection Branch of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division is responsible for monitoring air quality in the state.

 
 
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