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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS








As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report  included  in this Form 11-K into  National  Service  Industries,  Inc.'s
previously  filed   Registration   Statement   covering  the  Lithonia  Lighting
Profit Sharing and Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees.




/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
    Arthur Andersen LLP



Atlanta, Georgia
June 25, 1998