Air pollution is a very serious problem in the southeastern United States. According to the latest American Lung Association State of the Air report, six cities in the Southeast ranked in the top 25 cities in the United States for either smog (ozone) or haze (fine particulate pollution). The health and livelihoods of more than 41 million American adults and children living in the Southeast are severely threatened by this pollution.

Cities and counties across the region face violations of ozone and particulate matter health standards, which are clear indicators of poor air quality and have subsequent impacts to our local economies and quality of life. Shelby County has been out of government compliance for ozone for over 5 years.

Detrimental effects to our health, our quality of life and our environment are the consequences of polluting our air. Direct health impacts to ourselves, our friends, families and children range from asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, lung disease, respiratory irritation, mercury poisoning and even shortened lives. Memphis is ranked one of the top 10 worst cities for asthma in the country.