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šŸŒ± Half of Americans Still Breathe Unhealthy Airā€”Here's Why It Matters šŸŒ¬ļøšŸ˜·

Nearly half of Americans still live with unhealthy air pollution, despite decades of progress. Learn why ozone and soot are still major threats, how climate change is making things worse, and whatā€™s at stake if environmental protections are rolled back.

Author

Green Glow
May 03, 2025

Despite decades of progress in cleaning up Americaā€™s skies, a startling truth remains: nearly 156 million people in the U.S. still live with unhealthy air. According to the 2025 State of the Air report by the American Lung Association, roughly half the population continues to breathe in harmful levels of ozone (smog) or fine particulate matter (soot)ā€”pollution that is silently harming their lungs, hearts, and even brains.

Hereā€™s why this matters now more than ever.

Table of Contents

The Health Risks: Whatā€™s In the Air We Breathe?

Ozone: The Summer Smog Threat

Ozone is the main ingredient in smog and forms when pollutants from cars, factories, and other sources react in sunlight. While high in the atmosphere ozone protects us from UV rays, at ground level itā€™s a different story. Breathing it in can trigger asthma attacks, reduce lung function, and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

Hotter, sunnier daysā€”more frequent due to climate changeā€”make ozone formation worse. Cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Dallas consistently rank among the worst for ozone pollution.

Soot: The Inhalable Killer

Fine particulate matter, or "soot," is even more dangerous. These microscopic particles, often emitted by coal-fired power plants, diesel engines, and wildfires, can burrow deep into the lungs and slip into the bloodstream. The result? Increased risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and early death.

Recent studies have linked long-term exposure to particle pollution with cognitive decline and dementia, making it a threat not just to lungs but to the brain.

Not All Communities Are Affected Equally

The air quality crisis isnā€™t just about geographyā€”itā€™s also about inequality. The report found that people of color are nearly twice as likely as white Americans to live in areas with dangerous levels of soot and ozone.

This disparity stems from long-standing issues like environmental racism, industrial zoning, and lack of access to healthcare. Communities already facing systemic challenges are now at greater risk of pollution-related illness and death.

Climate Change Is Making It Worse

One major factor reversing decades of clean air progress is climate change. Rising temperatures accelerate ozone formation, and increasingly intense wildfires are pumping massive amounts of soot into the airā€”even in places that never used to deal with smoke, like the Midwest and Northeast.

A recent study estimated that wildfire smoke has erased nearly 25% of air quality improvements made since 2000. As the climate crisis deepens, itā€™s making the fight for clean air that much harder.

The Role of Policyā€”and the Danger of Rollbacks

Much of the progress made since the 1970s stems from federal legislation like the Clean Air Act, which required the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate harmful pollutants and regularly update safety standards based on the latest science.

But now, that progress is at risk. The Trump administration is attempting to roll back key environmental protections, loosen soot regulations, and even cut the EPA office that researches the health effects of pollution.

Health experts are sounding the alarm. ā€œAny rollback of environmental regulations has the potential to have really widespread public health impacts,ā€ says Dr. Neelu Tummula, a spokesperson for the 2025 State of the Air report.

Why This Should Matter to You

Clean air isnā€™t a luxuryā€”itā€™s a necessity. It means fewer emergency room visits, fewer school days missed by kids with asthma, and longer, healthier lives. The good news? We've done it before. Since 1970, the U.S. has cut major pollutants by nearly 80%, proving that smart regulation, science, and public will can work.

But if we stop nowā€”or worse, go backwardā€”those gains could evaporate.

What You Can Do

  • Stay informed: Check local air quality forecasts and limit outdoor activity on high-pollution days.

  • Support clean energy policies: Push for legislation that reduces emissions from power plants, vehicles, and industry.

  • Vote with your lungs: Elect leaders who prioritize environmental health and equity.

  • Advocate for vulnerable communities: Help ensure that all Americansā€”regardless of race or ZIP codeā€”have the right to breathe clean air.

Conclusion

Despite remarkable progress in cleaning up Americaā€™s air, the fight is far from over. With nearly half the U.S. population still exposed to harmful pollution, the consequences for public healthā€”especially among vulnerable communitiesā€”remain severe. From asthma and heart disease to cognitive decline, the evidence is clear: unhealthy air is shortening lives.

Climate change and policy rollbacks threaten to undo decades of progress. But thereā€™s hope. With continued public pressure, informed voting, and strong environmental policies, we can protect the air we breatheā€”for ourselves and for future generations.

Clean air is a human right. Letā€™s not take it for granted.

FAQs

What causes unhealthy air in the U.S.?

Unhealthy air is primarily caused by two pollutantsā€”ozone (smog) and particulate matter (soot)ā€”produced by vehicles, power plants, industry, and wildfires.

Who is most at risk from air pollution?

Children, the elderly, people with respiratory conditions, and communities of color are especially vulnerable to the health effects of polluted air.

Is air pollution still a problem even with environmental laws in place?

Yes. While laws like the Clean Air Act have drastically improved air quality, climate change and regulatory rollbacks are now threatening to reverse that progress.

How can I protect myself from air pollution?

Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly, avoid outdoor activities on poor-air days, and use HEPA filters indoors if needed. Supporting cleaner policies and local action is key too.

What role does climate change play in air pollution?

Climate change increases wildfire smoke and hotter days, both of which worsen air quality by raising levels of soot and ozone.

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