According to a new report by the American Lung Association, half of Americans are breathing polluted air, though there has been an improvement in the air quality of the United States over the past few decades. Pollution from sources such as power plants and diesel trucks has been reduced significantly because of the regulations set by the Clean Air Act of 1970. About 156 million people are living in areas with polluted air, which contains smog and soot, that can damage the lungs, heart, and brain.
Los Angeles is in the top position because of the high levels of ozone. Phoenix and Dallas are the worst cities for smog. As per the studies published in NPR, communities of color are more exposed to soot and ozone compared to predominantly white individuals.
Air pollution reduces life expectancy and increases asthma rates, ultimately leading to higher mortality rates, according to Harvard pulmonologist Mary Rice. Pollution levels vary significantly across the country. Cities in California observed the highest annual concentrations of fine particle pollution.
Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has proposed rolling back the 2024 soot pollution limits, arguing that the current standard restrains economic growth. The EPA also allowed many coal-fired plants to bypass emission reduction requirements despite well-documented health hazards associated with particulate pollution.
Dr. Neelu Tummala, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, warned about the consequences, stating that neglecting environmental protection can harm public health. Molly Vaseliou, an EPA spokesperson, insisted that environmental protection and economic development can coexist.
In a recent incident, two steel plants emitted dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen fluoride, and half of the residents of a small town became ill. A scientist linked that event to an increase in respiratory diseases, and about 20 deaths occurred. This highlights the urgent need for strong control over pollution.
The Clean Air Act was established in 1963 to regulate air pollution and strengthen the nation’s response to environmental hazards. Over the decades, researchers have continued to notice that clean air leads to better health results. Every 5 years, this law requires the EPA to review and update the regulations based on air quality. Because of these efforts, the specific pollution has reduced largely over the last 50 years.
Dr. C Arden Pope at Brigham Young University researched and concluded that people who live in highly polluted areas live less than 2 years in comparison with those who live in a clean environment. Pope studies over 500,000 people nationwide and revealed that pollution levels, which were considered safe previously, can lead to premature death.
New research reveals that air pollution has a negative impact on brain function, and higher exposure levels are linked to cognitive impairment. Despite major improvements, ozone pollution has fallen by over 80%. Soot pollution levels have decreased by about 40%Â since 2000Â because of continuous improvements.
Dr. Rice stated that anticipated EPA personnel and budget cuts could weaken the efforts to monitor pollution. She also said that removing EPA research funds would be a horrible mistake. Timely access to reliable information is essential to keep communities safe and healthy.
Reference: Borunda A. Air pollution still plagues nearly half of Americans. That does a number on our health. NPR. Published April 23, 2025. Accessed April 28, 2025. Air pollution is still a problem for nearly half of Americans, report finds: NPR
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