Reports say that nearly 2 in 5 people in the US now live in areas that have failed air quality standards, marking the worst situation in over two decades. The American Lung Association attributes this decline mainly to the effects of wildfires, as detailed in their latest State of the Air report.
Major Findings of the Report
Released on Wednesday, the report identifies cities like Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Phoenix as suffering from the most severe air pollution. In contrast, cities such as Bangor, Honolulu, and Wilmington boast the cleanest air, thanks to ocean breezes that disperse pollutants.
1/2) In 2023 #Houston ranked as the 9th most polluted city in the country. That’s according to the American Lung Association. For #EarthDay, we spoke to residents & advocacy groups who tell us our air quality problem is not being addressed the way it should. @abc13houston pic.twitter.com/BddCZp7wQm
— Elyse Smith – ABC13 (@ABC13Elyse) April 22, 2024
Katherine Pruitt, a senior director at the American Lung Association and the report’s author, warns about the grave health risks posed by deteriorating air quality, especially to vulnerable populations. The report draws on data from 2022 collected by air quality monitors operated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Despite significant improvements in air quality following the Clean Air Act of 1970, advancements have plateaued since 2017. Pruitt points to the increasing smoke from wildfires in the U.S. and Canada as a major contributor to the stagnation. In 2022, wildfires scorched over 7.5 million acres in the U.S., and the following year, Canada witnessed its worst fire season, with over 11.5 million acres burned. The smoke from these fires severely impacted air quality, making it unhealthy at times for residents across both nations.
Health Implications of Poor Air Quality
The report emphasizes the dangers of small particle pollution, such as airborne soot, which can come from wildfire smoke among other sources. Pruitt highlights the link between this type of pollution and serious health issues including heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer, and low birth weights.
The worsening air signals a significant hurdle in environmental and public health policy in the country. With wildfires posing an ongoing threat, improving air quality is crucial for the wellbeing of millions. The “State of the Air” report serves as a call to action for policymakers to address the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation head-on.
Image Source: The New York Times
