Story perspectives

46% of U.S. Kids Breathe Unhealthy Air, Report Reveals

4/23/2026

Center

Children's Health Crisis

The American Lung Association reports that 46% of U.S. children live in areas with unhealthy air.
More than 7 million children face multiple pollution issues, including high ozone and particle pollution.
Communities of color are disproportionately affected, with people of color more than twice as likely to live where pollution measures fail.
Wildfires and extreme heat worsen air quality and complicate progress under the Clean Air Act.

Left

Bangor's Clean Air

Bangor, Maine, appears on all three American Lung Association cleanest cities lists and has zero days of unhealthy ozone.
Nearly 152 million Americans breathe unhealthy air, while Los Angeles records the worst ozone pollution.
Bangor's clean air results from forested surroundings, distance from polluting industries, and a small population.
The report urges stronger air quality regulations as climate change worsens pollution and current administration policies threaten gains.

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Children's Health Crisis

The American Lung Association reports that 46% of U.S. children live in areas with unhealthy air.
More than 7 million children face multiple pollution issues, including high ozone and particle pollution.
Communities of color are disproportionately affected, with people of color more than twice as likely to live where pollution measures fail.
Wildfires and extreme heat worsen air quality and complicate progress under the Clean Air Act.

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