Almost 156 Million U.S. Residents Exposed to Unhealthy Air Quality, Report Finds
A report reveals nearly half of U.S. residents live in areas with hazardous air pollution, worsened by climate change and regulatory rollbacks.
Overview
According to the American Lung Association, the number of Americans exposed to unhealthy air has increased to 156 million. These rising levels of air pollution, attributed to climate change and proposed deregulation, pose significant health risks, particularly for marginalized communities. Ozone and particle pollution are linked to serious health issues, and the report highlights the erosion of progress made under the Clean Air Act. Cities like Bakersfield, California, experience the worst air quality, with the potential for further deterioration under new environmental policies.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
Left
The Trump administration's deregulation plans are making it harder to combat air pollution, negatively impacting public health and exacerbating existing inequalities in air quality exposure.
The increase in air pollution—now affecting 156 million people—is linked to worsening climate conditions, wildfires, and environmental rollbacks, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected.
Experts warn that without proper legislation and action to reduce emissions, millions will continue suffering from the health risks associated with respiratory and cardiac conditions caused by pollution.
Center
Nearly half of U.S. residents are living in areas with unhealthy air quality, with ozone and particulate pollution worsening due to climate change-related factors.
The increase in air pollution exposure, particularly driven by extreme weather and deregulation efforts, is a significant public health concern.
The American Lung Association report emphasizes the importance of stringent regulations to protect air quality and public health as climate change impacts worsen.
Right
There are not enough sources from this perspective to provide an analysis.
Left
The Trump administration's deregulation plans are making it harder to combat air pollution, negatively impacting public health and exacerbating existing inequalities in air quality exposure.
The increase in air pollution—now affecting 156 million people—is linked to worsening climate conditions, wildfires, and environmental rollbacks, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected.
Experts warn that without proper legislation and action to reduce emissions, millions will continue suffering from the health risks associated with respiratory and cardiac conditions caused by pollution.
Center
Nearly half of U.S. residents are living in areas with unhealthy air quality, with ozone and particulate pollution worsening due to climate change-related factors.
The increase in air pollution exposure, particularly driven by extreme weather and deregulation efforts, is a significant public health concern.
The American Lung Association report emphasizes the importance of stringent regulations to protect air quality and public health as climate change impacts worsen.
Right
There are not enough sources from this perspective to provide an analysis.
Articles (3)
The Guardian·2M·No highlight available for this article.
CNN·2M·No highlight available for this article.
NBC News·2M·No highlight available for this article.