This article presents a retrospective analysis of the origin and further development of domestic atmospheric hygiene, closely intertwined with the history of the A.N. Sysin Research Institute of Human Ecology and Environmental Hygiene since the beginning of the XX century. As the stages of the formation of an independent hygienic discipline and the deep integration of its scientific principles into the legislation and practice of the domestic sanitary and epidemiological service, the authors present the directions of research carried out at various times on the basis of the laboratory of atmospheric air hygiene of the Institute. For each such stage, the role of hygiene scientists who worked at the A.N. Sysin Research Institute at various times is indicated, as well as their achievements as a legacy preserved as part of the interdisciplinary scientific school of atmospheric hygiene. There are described works of such scientists as A.N. Sysin, V.A. Ryazanov, M.S. Goldberg, Yu.G. Feldman, V.A. Hoffmekler, M.A. Pinigin and L.A. Tepikina, which are rightfully considered classics of the scientific justification of the used sanitary and epidemiological requirements and hygienic standards. Along with the description of scientific ideas, the article presents fundamental problematic issues of atmospheric air hygiene, formulated at the Institute back in the 70s of the last century. The consistent development of regulatory legal regulation of atmospheric air protection in Russia up to the modern integration of an extensive database of hygienic standards into the practice of environmental regulation can be considered a reflection of the scientific achievements of the Laboratory of Atmospheric air Hygiene of the Institute. Adherence to traditions is presented on a par with advanced ideas developed at various times at the A.N. Sysin Research Institute, aimed at unconditionally ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population.