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.
The climate crisis-driven extreme heat and wildfires contributed to the increase in ozone levels for many parts of the country, most notably in central states from Minnesota to Texas.
Nearly half of Americans breathing in unsafe levels of air pollutants – report
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Air pollution levels keep getting worse for more people in the US, according to a new report, and experts say the Trump administration’s proposed deregulation plans will make it even harder for people to get clean air.
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The report shows how the effects of climate change — heat, drought and increased wildfire smoke — are driving changes in air quality across the country.
Nearly half of Americans live in places with failing grades for air pollution, report says
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Summary
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.
Perspectives
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.