Air pollution levels keep getting worse for more people in the US, according to a new report, and experts say the Trump administration’s proposed deregulation plans will make it even harder for people to get clean air. Almost half of everyone who lives in the United States breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air report, released Wednesday. According to air quality data from 2021 to 2023, about 156 million people – 25 million more than last year’s report – live in an area that the association gives a failing grade for ozone and two measures of fine particulate matter pollution. The US Environmental Protection Agency defines particulate matter, also called particle pollution or soot, as a mix of solid and liquid droplets that float in the air. It can come in the form of dirt, dust or smoke. Coal- and natural gas-fired power plants create it, as do cars, agriculture, unpaved roads, construction sites and wildfires. Particle pollution threatens human health because it is so tiny – a fraction of the width of a human hair – and can travel past the body’s usual defenses. When a person breathes these particles in, they can get stuck in the lungs and move into the bloodstream, causing irritation and inflammation. Exposure to particle pollution is considered a significant factor in premature death around the world, according to the World Health Organization. Exposure can also raise the risk of conditions including certain cancers, stroke, asthma, preterm births, dementia, depression and anxiety. The new report says that 85 million people in the US live in an area with a failing grade for year-round particle pollution, the second-highest number of people with such exposure since the report was first published in 2000. The top 10 areas most polluted by year-round particle pollution are: Even in the short term, exposure to particle pollution can cause breathing problems or trigger a heart attack. During the research period, the report says, short-term particle pollution in the US was the highest level it has been in 16 years, with 77.2 million people living in counties with these unhealthy spikes. The 10 areas most polluted by short-term particle pollution are: Ozone pollution, also called smog, is the presence of ground-level ozone that forms when chemicals like nitrogen oxides and volatile organics from electric utilities, car exhaust, gasoline vapors, industrial facilities and chemical solvents react to sunlight. Exposure to ozone pollution can cause asthma attacks and chest pain in the short term. Long-term exposure can also cause decreased lung function and premature death. The top 10 areas most polluted by ozone are: The American Lung Association report notes that people of color are the group most likely to live in neighborhoods with unhealthy air and are more than twice as likely as White people to live a community with a failing grade for two types of particle pollution or ozone pollution. People who identify as Hispanic are three times more likely as White people to live in an area with three failing grades for air pollution. Dr. Juanita Mora, a pulmonologist who works in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, said she sees the toll of high air pollution levels nearly every day. The demolition of a power plant in the area in 2020 spread soot “for miles and miles,” she said. When that combined with normal pollution levels, street vendors, other outdoor workers and a 7-year-old boy all came in wheezing and coughing. “He was just outside playing in his yard,” said Mora, who is also a volunteer spokesperson for the American Lung Association. “His parents had to rush him to the ER because he said he was having chest tightness and couldn’t stop coughing. “As a doctor, I feel like we’re failing millions and millions of kids and adults,” she added. It doesn’t always take a demolished building for air pollution to cause widespread breathing problems. Katherine Pruitt, national senior director for policy at the American Lung Association and a co-author of the new report, said that a record number of warm days and wildfires during the research period caused “horrible ozone years.” People didn’t even have to live close to a wildfire to be affected, Pruitt said. Smoke plumes travel, and when they combine with typical pollution in urban areas, “they bump up the ability to produce ozone-forming compounds,” Pruitt said. In 2023, Canadian wildfires caused problems for Mora’s patients hundreds of miles away in Chicago. “I saw so many kids and adults with asthma exacerbations around that time,” she said. Dr. Panagis Gallatsatos, a pulmonary and critical care medicine specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said doctors do what they can to help patients breathe better, “but we can only do so much against the air that they breathe.” Gallatsatos, who is also a volunteer spokesperson for the Lung Association, said it’s been “rather defeating” to read about how many more Americans have been exposed to pollution. “As a lung doctor, I don’t have any medication that can really offset that,” he said. “For pollution, we rely on good policies and legislation to protect lung health.” And protective legislation may become harder to find. As part of the “biggest deregulatory action in US history,” the EPA said last month that it will revisit the Biden-era National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter, which govern how much soot can be released into the air. The Trump administration is also considering looser regulations on power plants, the oil and gas industry, coal plants and other industries and machines that generate air pollution. “Obviously, we’re worried about what the future portends for all the hard work that we’ve done to put rules and practices into place to control emissions, both for particle pollution and ozone and for greenhouse gases that are affecting the climate,” Pruitt said. “It’s very worrisome.” If EPA deregulation efforts are successful, Mora said, it will directly hurt her patients who are already breathing polluted air. “I believe I’m going to be seeing a lot more kids, more families affected by the lack of limits on particle pollution as well as ozone pollution, especially here in the city of Chicago,” she said. “If you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”
Nearly half of Americans live in an area with a failing grade for air pollution, and the problem is only getting worse
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Report Indicates Nearly Half of Americans Face Unhealthy Air Pollution Levels"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent report by the American Lung Association reveals a concerning trend in air quality across the United States, indicating that nearly half of the population now lives in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels. The report highlights that approximately 156 million Americans, an increase of 25 million from the previous year, reside in regions that received failing grades for ozone and fine particulate matter pollution. These pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter, pose significant health risks as they can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to various health issues such as asthma, stroke, and even premature death. The report underscores that 85 million individuals live in areas with year-round particle pollution, marking the second-highest exposure level since the report's inception in 2000. Furthermore, the report points out that short-term spikes in particle pollution have reached their highest levels in 16 years, affecting over 77 million people, with specific regions identified as the most polluted for both year-round and short-term exposure.
The report also emphasizes the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of color, with people identifying as Hispanic being particularly affected. Experts, including pulmonologists working in heavily polluted neighborhoods, express grave concerns about the health implications for children and families exposed to such harmful air quality. With the Trump administration's proposed deregulation plans threatening existing air quality standards, health professionals worry about the potential deterioration of air quality and its impact on public health. The Environmental Protection Agency's intentions to revisit air quality standards for particulate matter and the consideration of looser regulations for polluting industries could exacerbate the situation. Health experts stress that effective policies and legislation are crucial for safeguarding lung health, and the potential rollback of regulations raises alarms about the future of air quality in the United States. As one doctor poignantly stated, when it comes to air pollution, "if you can’t breathe, nothing else matters."
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report highlights a significant public health concern in the United States regarding air pollution. It emphasizes that nearly half of the American population is affected by unhealthy air quality, which is worsening over time. This situation is exacerbated by proposed deregulation plans, particularly associated with the previous administration, which could hinder efforts to improve air quality.
Public Perception and Concerns
The article aims to raise awareness about the deteriorating state of air quality in the U.S. and encourages public discourse on environmental health issues. By presenting alarming statistics—such as the number of people living in areas receiving failing grades for air pollution—the report seeks to create a sense of urgency among readers. This could potentially galvanize public opinion against deregulation efforts and rally support for stricter environmental policies.
Omissions and Hidden Agendas
There may be elements that the article does not fully explore, such as the economic implications of stricter regulations on industries that contribute to air pollution. While the report focuses on health impacts and regulatory challenges, it could also address potential economic consequences for affected communities and industries, providing a more balanced view.
Manipulative Elements
The report carries a certain level of manipulative potential by emphasizing the negative health effects of air pollution without discussing the complexities of the regulatory framework. The language used—such as "failing grade" and references to health risks—intensifies emotional responses, which may lead readers to support specific political actions without fully understanding the broader context.
Reliability and Credibility
The article appears to be based on credible sources like the American Lung Association and the World Health Organization, which lends it authority. However, the framing of the information could lead to skewed perceptions if readers take the data at face value without contemplating the nuances involved in environmental regulation and public health.
Connections to Other News
When compared to other environmental reports or political analyses, this article aligns with ongoing discussions about climate change and health policy. It reflects a broader narrative about the need for environmental justice and could serve as a catalyst for related news stories focusing on climate action and public health.
Impact on Society and Economy
This report could influence political discourse, leading to increased advocacy for stricter air quality regulations. It may also affect economic decisions, particularly for companies in industries linked to air pollution, as consumers become more aware of health implications associated with poor air quality.
Target Audience
The report likely resonates more with communities concerned about environmental issues, public health advocates, and politically active individuals interested in climate change. It may also appeal to those who prioritize health over economic considerations when it comes to regulatory policies.
Market Implications
The findings in this report could impact sectors like renewable energy and public health, possibly affecting stock prices of companies involved in clean energy solutions. Investors might respond to heightened awareness of air pollution by shifting their focus to more sustainable practices and technologies.
Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily addresses domestic issues, it reflects broader global concerns about air quality and health, particularly in light of international discussions on climate change. This can tie into larger geopolitical narratives about environmental stewardship and global health initiatives.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
It is plausible that AI tools were used in drafting this report, particularly in data analysis and presentation. AI models could have helped in synthesizing information from various sources to provide a comprehensive overview of air quality trends. However, it is difficult to pinpoint specific contributions without knowing the editorial process involved.
In conclusion, the article serves as a vital reminder of the pressing air quality issues affecting millions of Americans. While it is grounded in credible data, the framing of the narrative could lead to polarized views on regulatory actions and their implications.