- A new study by the University of Georgia will investigate the extent to which black communities in Atlanta are affected by air pollution.
- Black communities have historically been more exposed to toxic air pollutants due to factors such as living near industrial areas or highways.
- The study will analyze the relationship between air pollution and factors such as race, income, and education level.
- Previous studies have found that air pollution in Atlanta is linked to a higher incidence of respiratory problems, heart disease, and other poor health outcomes.
- The study is part of a larger effort to address environmental justice issues and provide solutions for communities burdened by pollution.
By The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | February 17, 2023
Numerous studies have found Black communities are often disproportionately exposed to air pollution. And while asthma affects many Georgians, the condition is most prevalent among Black residents — especially children. Pollution from roadways and other sources are among the main culprits known to contribute to the disease.
But with only a handful of monitoring sites scattered across the vast Metro Atlanta region, consistent hyperlocal data is often unavailable for those at risk…
“I want the data,” said Gilyard, a former city of South Fulton councilwoman. “I want to know every little piece of what’s going on because it’s been a long time and we’ve been through too much.”
Now, a series of new campaigns and studies aim to provide the data they’ve craved.
Read more from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
