The Bangor, ME metro area has been recognized as one of the cleanest cities in the United States for ozone and particle pollution, as revealed in the American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of the Air” report. Lance Boucher, Division Assistant Vice President for the American Lung Association, expressed gratitude for Bangor's consistent ranking, stating, “In the 25 years that the American Lung Association has been doing our ‘State of the Air’ report, we have seen incredible improvement in the nation’s air quality. Thankfully, Bangor is listed as one of the cleanest cities for three measures of the most common air pollutants.”
The report assessed ground-level ozone pollution in the Bangor, ME metro area, indicating that it ranked among the cleanest cities for ozone pollution. With an average of 0 unhealthy days per year in Penobscot County, Maine, the area maintained an A grade, showcasing its commitment to air quality. Additionally, the analysis of particle pollution highlighted Bangor's exemplary performance, with the metro area ranking among the cleanest cities for short-term particle pollution.
Furthermore, the report emphasized the importance of addressing air pollution at a national level, with over 131 million people living in areas with unhealthy air quality. The findings underscored the impact of air pollution on vulnerable communities, including individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Both ozone and particle pollution were identified as significant contributors to adverse health effects, such as asthma attacks, heart problems, and even lung cancer.
The Environmental Protection Agency's recent implementation of new air pollution regulations was acknowledged as a step towards combating pollution and climate change. However, the Lung Association is advocating for stronger national limits on ozone pollution to further enhance air quality across the country.
As efforts continue to improve air quality, individuals are encouraged to stay informed and support initiatives like the American Lung Association's upcoming 40th Annual Trek Across Maine, scheduled for June 14 – 16. To learn more about the findings of the “State of the Air” report and contribute to the mission of the American Lung Association, visit Lung.org/SOTA.
