The American Lung Association announced on Apr. 21 the release of its 27th annual "State of the Air" report, revealing that almost half of children in the United States are breathing air with dangerous levels of pollution. The report found that 33.5 million children, or about 46% of people under age 18, live in areas with at least one failing grade for ozone or particle pollution.
This issue is significant because exposure to polluted air during childhood can lead to long-term health problems such as reduced lung growth, new asthma cases, increased risk for respiratory diseases and impaired cognitive function later in life. The report also notes that both ozone and particle pollution can cause premature death and serious health effects including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes and preterm births.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, said: "Clean air is not something we can take for granted. It takes work. For decades, people in the U.S. have breathed cleaner air thanks to the Clean Air Act. Unfortunately, that progress is now at risk due to extreme heat and wildfires, fueled by climate change, and policy changes that are making the problem worse." Wimmer added: "Now is the time to strengthen air pollution standards, but EPA is doing the opposite... In the last year, EPA has weakened enforcement and rolled back rules that would have protected kids from power plant and vehicle pollution... Leaders at every level must act to improve and protect America’s air quality.”
The findings show a worsening trend compared to previous years: more than 129 million people live in counties receiving F grades for ozone pollution—nearly four million more than last year—and over seven million children reside in communities failing all three measures (ozone plus short- and long-term particle pollution). The report highlights disparities as well; a person of color is more than twice as likely as a white individual to live in an area failing all three measures.
The association also pointed out emerging concerns such as data centers powered by fossil fuels contributing locally significant emissions but noted specific quantification was not available yet.
According to its official website, the American Lung Association has supported groundbreaking research into lung disease treatment while working nationwide through local offices on education initiatives aimed at improving lung health. The organization received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for fiscal management and transparency according to its official website. Wimmer serves as president and CEO according to its official website.
Wimmer concluded by urging action: “Children need clean air to grow and play, and communities need clean air to thrive.”
