Released in time for the April 22 observance of Earth Day, the American Lung Association’s 22nd annual report on air quality has just become available.

Published in April each year, the report shows that while there has been some progress on cleaning up air pollution, there is still much more to do.

We can do this. It’s an avoidable risk. So why haven’t we?

Key findings from the report include the following:

  • 41% of Americans live in counties that have an unhealthy level of air pollution.
  • People of color are 61% more likely to breathe polluted air compared to white people.
  • Living in areas with elevated levels of air pollution is linked to worse health outcomes from COVID-19.
  • The threat from deadly particle pollution continues to increase every year.

Read the report and find out how your city compares.

 

Posted by: Susan Troyer