Almost half of America’s population are breathing unhealthy air - 21 million more than previously, new report says
‘Climate change continues to degrade air quality and increase the risk of air pollution harming health’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Close to half of all Americans are breathing unhealthy air, as the quality in the country declines, according to a new report.
The 2020 State of the Air report, released by the American Lung Association, found that for nearly half of the country’s residents, the air they breathe is heavily polluted.
The report analysed air pollution in American cities from 2016 to 2018 and found that levels increased from the 2019 report, which analysed statistics from 2015 to 2017.
More than 137 million people were found to be living in areas where ozone levels rose in the US, which can badly affect those with asthma or other breathing conditions.
The years analysed, 2016 to 2018, were three of the hottest years on record and this contributed to increased ozone levels.
Paul Billings, the national senior vice president of the association, told CNN that “we’re moving in the wrong direction, with nearly 21 million more people breathing dirty air than in last year’s report.”
The American Lung Association CEO, Harold Wimmer, added in a press release that the report is further proof that climate change is affecting people’s health.
“This year’s report shows that climate change continues to degrade air quality and increase the risk of air pollution harming health,” he said.
“To protect the advances in air quality we fought for 50 years ago through the Clean Air Act, we must again act today, implementing effective policies to protect our air quality and lung health against the threat of climate change.”
Cities in California were found to have the highest figures of short-term and year-round pollution, as well as the highest ozone levels, but the report indicates that results were affected by 2018’s wildfires in the state.
Los Angeles had the highest ozone levels, Fresno was found to have the highest short-term particle pollution, while Bakersfield had the highest year-round particle pollution.
Mr Wimmer referenced the coronavirus pandemic to outline the importance of improving air quality for people’s health.
“Air pollution is linked to greater risk of lung infection,” he said. “Protecting everyone from COVID-19 and other lung infections is an urgent reminder of the importance of clean air.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments