Full Breakdown
Air Quality Report Highlights Health Risks for Millions of Americans
4/22/2026, 10:43:19 PM
Overview of Air Quality in the U.S.
The American Lung Association's latest "State of the Air" report reveals that approximately 152 million Americans, including nearly half of the nation's children and teens, live in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels. The report, which evaluates air quality from 2022 to 2024, indicates that 44% of the U.S. population is exposed to harmful pollution, particularly ozone and particle pollution, also known as smog and soot. Kevin Stewart, the director of environmental health at the American Lung Association, emphasized the long-term health risks for children, stating that exposure can lead to chronic diseases and reduced lung function over their lifetimes.
Most Polluted and Cleanest Cities
According to the report, Bakersfield, California, ranks as the city with the worst year-round particle pollution and is also among the top cities for short-term particle and ozone pollution. The five most polluted cities identified are:
1. Bakersfield-Delano, California
2. Brownsville-Harlingen-Raymondville, Texas
3. Eugene-Springfield, Oregon
4. Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran, California
5. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, California (tied with Visalia, California)
Conversely, the cleanest cities in terms of year-round particle pollution include:
1. Bozeman, Montana
2. Casper, Wyoming
3. Kahului-Wailuku, Hawaii
4. Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
5. Burlington-South Burlington-Barre, Vermont
Impact of Air Pollution on Health
The report highlights that air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly for children. It notes that exposure can lead to respiratory issues, including asthma and reduced lung growth, as well as increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. The American Lung Association urges policymakers to take action to improve air quality, especially in light of recent rollbacks of health protections by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Criticism of EPA Policies
The report criticizes the EPA for weakening key health protections, which it argues increases children's vulnerability to pollutants. The authors assert that the agency must prioritize the removal of harmful pollutants from the air, emphasizing the importance of clean air for public health.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the American Lung Association's report indicates a slight improvement in air quality in some areas, it also notes that nearly 4 million more people are now exposed to unhealthy levels of smog compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Swiss technology company IQAir reported a 3% increase in pollution concentrations in the U.S. between 2024 and 2025, suggesting discrepancies in air quality assessments.
What's Next
The American Lung Association continues to advocate for stronger air quality regulations and encourages public awareness regarding the health impacts of air pollution. As the organization prepares for future reports, it emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and improvement of air quality standards to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
