Air pollution remains a serious threat to public health in the United States, as highlighted by the latest ‘State of the Air’ report issued by the American Lung Association. The report reveals that over 131 million Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, with roughly 40% of the population living in regions with significant pollution concerns.
This exposure to polluted air poses significant health risks, contributing to conditions like asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer. In particular, particulate pollution, which consists of tiny particles smaller than human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs and worsen respiratory ailments such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and allergies.
Climate change is a major factor in the rise of air pollution, leading to an increase in short-term particle pollution exposure. The data analyzed for the report, collected from 2020 to 2022, indicates that the number of people living in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution has steadily climbed for the past six years.
Los Angeles continues to rank as the city with the worst ozone air pollution, a distinction it has held for 24 out of the report’s 25 years. Dr. Jessica Hui, an allergist at National Jewish Health, has observed an increase in patients due to worsening air pollution. She emphasizes the importance of patients discussing any allergy symptoms with their healthcare providers, especially when symptoms are new or have intensified, as these could be linked to air quality issues.
The American Lung Association urges collective action to reduce air pollution levels and protect public health. By working together to address this critical environmental concern, we can create a healthier future for all Americans.
