Air quality index (AQI⁺) and PM2.5 air pollution in Georgia •
When air quality in your area reaches unhealthy levels, we'll send you a quick alert, along with expert tips on how to reduce your exposure.
Real-time most polluted cities in Georgia
Real-time cleanest cities in Georgia
When outdoor air quality drops, the EPA recommends upgrading to a MERV 13 filter — or the highest-rated filter your HVAC system can handle — to help capture more of the fine particulate (PM2.5) that comes with poor air quality. MERV 13 is the highest rating most residential systems can run without restricting airflow.
AQI stands for Air Quality Index, the EPA's scale for reporting daily air quality. It runs from 0 to 500. The higher the number, the greater the level of air pollution. Values at or below 100 are generally considered satisfactory; values above 100 mean air quality is unhealthy, first for sensitive groups, then for everyone as numbers climb.
The AQI tracks five major pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The reported AQI value reflects whichever pollutant is highest at that time — most often ozone or fine particles (PM2.5).
Monitoring stations measure pollutant concentrations, and the EPA converts each into a standardized 0–500 score using set breakpoints. Each pollutant gets its own sub-index, and the highest sub-index becomes the reported AQI. That's why a single number can represent different pollutants on different days.
An AQI of 0–50 is rated "Good" — air quality poses little or no risk. 51–100 is "Moderate," acceptable for most people though unusually sensitive individuals may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Anything at or below 100 is generally considered satisfactory air quality.
100 is the dividing line: at or below it, air quality is satisfactory for the general public. From 101–150, air is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" — people with respiratory conditions, older adults, and children. From 151–200, it's "Unhealthy" and everyone may begin to feel effects.
Short-term AQI spikes usually come from wildfire smoke, temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, high-ozone weather (hot, sunny, stagnant days), or heavy traffic and industrial activity. Check a real-time source like the map on this page to see which pollutant is driving today's reading in your area.
Many runners follow the EPA category lines: below 50, no adjustment needed; 51–100, unusually sensitive people may shorten intense workouts; above 100, sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion; above 150, that advice extends to everyone. Exercise increases how much air you breathe in, which is why thresholds matter more during workouts.
A common rule of thumb is to keep windows open when the AQI is under 100 and close them when it climbs above, especially during wildfire smoke events when fine particles are elevated. When windows are closed, running your HVAC system with a fresh filter helps capture particles circulating indoors.
Public health agencies generally suggest considering a well-fitted N95-style respirator outdoors when the AQI exceeds 150, particularly during smoke events. Cloth and surgical masks don't filter fine particles effectively. Follow guidance from your local health department, which may adjust recommendations during severe episodes.
Use this page to check the live air quality index (AQI) map for Georgia, understand what the numbers mean, and see simple steps to protect the air inside your home.
The air quality index AQI map turns complex air data into a single number and color so you can decide when it is safer to be outside and when it is better to stay indoors.
A live air quality index AQI map for Georgia shows if outdoor air is cleaner or more polluted in your area right now.
AQI 0–100 is usually OK for most people. Higher AQI needs extra precaution for certain groups. Above 150, air is unhealthy for everyone.
On higher AQI days, keep windows closed, run your HVAC fan on “On” or “Circulate,” and avoid adding indoor smoke or fumes.
Using the right MERV 8, 11, or 13 filter helps reduce particles indoors while outdoor pollution is high.
Filterbuy provides U.S.-made filters, many sizes, and quick shipping, making it easier to keep up with filter changes in Georgia homes.
The AQI is a 0–500 scale that shows if the outdoor air is cleaner or more polluted. On a live air quality index AQI map for Georgia, lower numbers (around 0–100) usually mean the air is good for most people, 101–150 means people with heart or lung problems should be careful, and 151 or higher means the air is unhealthy and it is better to limit time outside.
Parts of Georgia, especially metro areas, can see higher pollution on:
Hot, sunny days with more ozone
Days with heavy traffic and stagnant air
Periods when smoke from regional wildfires drifts into the state
Fine particles and ozone can irritate the eyes and lungs and can worsen asthma, COPD, and heart disease. Checking an air quality index AQI map today helps you plan outdoor work, sports, and errands around higher risk periods.
When you open a live air quality index AQI map now:
Enter your city or ZIP code.
Look at the AQI number and color for “Now” and for the rest of the day.
Note the main pollutant (often PM2.5 or ozone).
Follow the health message for that category (for example, “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”).
Recheck the current air quality index AQI map if wind, temperature, or smoke conditions change during the day.
When the live air quality index AQI map for Georgia shows high levels, try to:
Keep outdoor air from coming in
Close all windows and doors
Switch your AC or HVAC on a setting to “recirculate” mode
Avoid extra smoke or strong fumes inside, such as smoking, burning wood, or using heavy cleaners and sprays
Invest in MERV 8, 11, or 13 filter or a portable air cleaner
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) shows how well a filter captures particles. For most homes, MERV 8 to 13 is the main range to consider.
MERV 8
Good basic protection for dust, lint, and larger pollen.
Helps protect your HVAC system and is suitable for many standard homes.
MERV 11
Better capture of smaller particles like pet dander and many mold spores.
A strong choice for homes with pets or mild to moderate allergies in Georgia’s humid climate.
MERV 13
Higher capture of fine particles, including many smoke and smog particles.
Best when you are more concerned about pollution and your system can handle the higher efficiency.
Always follow your HVAC manufacturer’s guidance or ask a professional before moving up to a higher MERV.
Filterbuy makes pleated HVAC and furnace filters that support cleaner indoor air and consistent system performance.
For Georgia homeowners, Filterbuy offers:
U.S.-made filters with quality materials
A wide range of standard and custom sizes for a proper fit
Pleated synthetic media that captures more particles than basic fiberglass while maintaining airflow
Service life of up to 90 days in typical home use when changed on schedule
Fast, free shipping in the continental U.S., with easy Auto-Delivery options so you do not forget replacements
By pairing the live air quality index AQI map for Georgia with the right MERV 8, 11, or 13 Filterbuy filter, you can respond to outdoor pollution in real time and help keep the air inside your home cleaner and more stable.
The AQI is a number from 0 to 500 that shows if the outdoor air is cleaner or more polluted. Lower numbers mean cleaner air.
Open the map, enter your city or ZIP code, and look at the current number and color. This shows what the air is like in your area right now.
Check the air quality index AQI map today if you plan to be outside a lot, exercise, or have heart or lung problems. On hot or smoky days, it is good to check more than once.
An AQI from 0 to 100 is usually fine for most people. Above 100, people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease should be more careful.
When the current air quality index AQI map shows 101 or higher, try to shorten outdoor activity and move exercise indoors. Follow your doctor’s plan if you notice symptoms.
If the AQI is 151 or higher, keep windows and outside doors closed as much as you can. This helps reduce how much polluted air comes inside.
Yes. Running your system with a clean filter can lower dust and some outdoor particles inside, especially when the fan is set to “On” or “Circulate.”
Many homes use MERV 8 for basic dust, MERV 11 for pets and mild allergies, and MERV 13 when they are more concerned about smoke and fine particles and the system can handle it. Always follow the HVAC manufacturer’s advice.
