Nearly Half of Americans Exposed to Dangerous Air Pollution

According to the latest annual report from the American Lung Association (ALA), nearly 156 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, marking a 16% increase from last year.

The report highlights rising levels of soot and smog, both linked to severe health risks such as asthma, heart attacks, lung cancer, and impaired cognitive function.

The rise in pollution is exacerbated by extreme weather events, particularly heat waves and wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to the climate crisis.