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The air breathed by millions of people in the U.S. is getting worse, according to a new report by the American Lung Association, and it could lead to health problems like asthma attacks and chest pain.
Under the Trump administration, the picture could get even uglier.
State of the Air. The American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report found that 156 million people, or about half of the people living in the U.S., are living in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. The association notes that this is an increase of 25 million people compared to last year.
The worsening quality of air can be attributed to extreme heat and wildfires, according to the report.
“Families across the U.S. are dealing with the health impacts of air pollution every day, and extreme heat and wildfires are making it worse,” Harold Wimmer, the president of the organization, said in a statement. “Air pollution is causing kids to have asthma attacks, making people who work outdoors sick, and leading to low birth weight in babies.”
Smog and soot. The report analyzes the exposure to two types of unhealthy air pollution: ozone air pollution (smog) and particle pollution (soot).
Particle pollution refers to the mix of solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While this type of pollution can be emitted from a source, such as construction sites or unpaved roads, they can also form due to atmospheric reactions involving chemicals emitted from power plants and cars.
The latter type makes up most of the particle pollution in the U.S., the agency stated.
Meanwhile, ozone pollution is formed from gases emitted by tailpipes smokestacks, factories, and other sources. When these gases come into contact with sunlight, they form ozone smog.
Worst offenders. Not all cities are created equal. The report includes a list of the top 10 cities with the worst short-term and long-term particle pollution, as well as the worst ozone pollution.
Top 10 Cities Most Polluted by Short-Term Particle Pollution
1. Bakersfield-Delano, CA
2. Fairbanks-College, AK
3. Eugene-Springfield, OR (tied for 3rd)
3. Visalia, CA (tied for 3rd)
5. Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran, CA
6. Reno-Carson City-Gardnerville Ranchos, NV-CA
7. Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA
8. Yakima, WA
9. Seattle-Tacoma, WA
10. Sacramento-Roseville, CA
Top 10 Cities Most Polluted by Year-Round Particle Pollution
1. Bakersfield-Delano, CA
2. Visalia, CA
3. Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran, CA
4. Eugene-Springfield, OR
5. Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA
6. Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI (tied for 6th)
6. San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA (tied for 6th)
8. Houston-Pasadena, TX
9. Cleveland-Akron-Canton, OH
10. Fairbanks-College, AK
Top 10 Cities Most Polluted by Ozone Pollution
1. Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA
2. Visalia, CA
3. Bakersfield-Delano, CA
4. Phoenix-Mesa, AZ
5. Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran, CA
6. Denver-Aurora-Greeley, CO
7. Houston-Pasadena, TX
8. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
9. Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, UT-ID
10. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK
Health effects. Breathing in bad air isn’t just unpleasant, it’s bad for your health. The EPA explains that particle pollution is the most problematic when it comes to health because the particles can get into your lungs and bloodstream. Exposure to this type of pollution has been linked to irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and even premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
Ozone pollution can also lead to health problems and cause coughing or a sore throat, make it difficult to breathe, inflame airways, and make the lungs more susceptible to infection. Importantly, children are at the greatest risk because their lungs are still developing and they’re more likely to be outside when ozone levels are high, the EPA notes. This increases their exposure.
Dr. Juanita Mora, a pulmonologist in Chicago, recalled that after the demolition of a power plant, there was soot “for miles and miles.” The soot, as well as normal levels of pollution, led many people to seek medical attention, including street vendors, outdoor workers, and a 7-year-old boy.
“He was just outside playing in his yard,” Mora told CNN. She works as volunteer spokesperson for the American Lung Association. “His parents had to rush him to the ER because he said he was having chest tightness and couldn’t stop coughing.
Bottom line. There are indications that air pollution will only get worse. In March, the EPA said it will review the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter, which were enacted under the Biden administration. These standards dictate how much soot can be released into the air.
In addition, the Trump administration is considering loosening regulations on industries that generate air pollution, such as the oil and gas industry and power plants.
Image | Janusz Walczak
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