According to the American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air report, at least 156 million Americans – 46% of the population – live with unsafe levels of ozone, particulate pollution, or both.
The report analyzed ozone and particulate pollution levels between 2021 and 2023, during which the worst wildfire season on record took place in Canada. The report ranked pollution levels in counties and cities across the country on a grading scale from A to F. At least 156 million people live with air that got the poorest grade of F for at least one of three pollutants. At least 42 million people live in counties that failed all three pollutant standards measured.
While the report attempts to provide a complete picture of air quality around the country, about two-thirds of counties lack air quality monitoring for ozone or particulate pollution.
The wildfires in Canada are responsible for much of the increase in air pollution in the past several years. However, climate projections suggest that the conditions that fueled those fires are likely to become increasingly common.
Air quality standards in the United States have generally been improving since the Clean Air Act was enacted by Congress in 1970. Since that time, levels of key pollutants have dropped by nearly 80%. But millions of Americans are still breathing polluted air, leading to both acute and chronic health conditions.
Plans by the Trump administration to loosen environmental regulations and cut funding for air quality research are likely to only make matters worse.
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Almost Half of Americans Breathe Unhealthy Air, Report Finds
Photo, posted June 8, 2023, courtesy of Anthony Quintano via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio
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