The American Lung Association's latest report highlights that approximately 156 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy air quality, raising concerns about the implications of easing environmental regulations under the Trump administration.
Nearly Half of Americans Face Unhealthy Air Quality, New Report Reveals
Nearly Half of Americans Face Unhealthy Air Quality, New Report Reveals
A significant portion of the U.S. population is affected by dangerous air pollution levels, exacerbated by potential regulatory rollbacks.
A staggering 156 million Americans, roughly 46% of the population, are exposed to unsafe levels of ozone, particulate matter, or both, according to the latest annual assessment from the American Lung Association. The report warns that proposed rollbacks of long-standing environmental regulations—particularly those put forth by the Trump administration—could exacerbate the issue of air pollution.
“Legislation is essential as it directly impacts the quality of the air we breathe,” stated Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonologist affiliated with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a spokesperson for the American Lung Association. He emphasized that the Clean Air Act has been a crucial factor in enhancing lung health and overall well-being.
The report evaluated air pollution levels from 2021 to 2023, a timeframe that included the most severe wildfire season on record in Canada, leading to considerable air quality deterioration in several U.S. regions. While overall air quality in the U.S. has shown improvements since the Clean Air Act was enacted in 1970—resulting in nearly an 80% drop in key pollutants— millions still live daily in polluted environments that contribute to chronic health conditions and elevate the risk of premature death.
Alarmingly, at least 156.1 million individuals reside in counties that received an F rating for at least one type of pollutant, with over 42 million living in regions that failed to meet all three air quality standards. Out of 885 counties monitored for air quality, 480 failed at least one indicator.
As discussions around environmental policies continue, the implications for public health remain critical, with calls for sustained protective measures to ensure cleaner air for all Americans.
