Brian Barton
The United States has made significant progress in improving air quality over the years, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) playing a crucial role in protecting people's health from air pollution. Despite this, air pollution remains a serious issue, with approximately 140 million people living in counties with high pollution levels in recent years. The main sources of air pollution in the US include vehicle emissions, energy consumption, and industrial activities, contributing to the formation of ozone and particles, acid deposition, and visibility impairment. Climate change is also exacerbating the problem by increasing the frequency of high ozone days and particle pollution due to extreme weather events such as wildfires. While there have been efforts to reduce emissions, air pollution continues to pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollutants | Fine particles, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, oxides of nitrogen |
| Air quality | In 2023, about 66 million tons of pollution were emitted into the US atmosphere |
| --- | 42 million people live in counties that got an F for all three air pollution measures in "State of the Air" 2025 |
| --- | 140 million people lived in counties with pollution levels above the primary NAAQS in 2023 |
| --- | 88 million people live where year-round particle pollution levels are worse than the national air quality limit |
| Air pollution sources | Vehicles, factories, industrial activity, technological developments, fuel consumption, vehicle miles traveled |
| Health effects | Asthma attacks, harm to lung development in children, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, lower birth weight in newborns, cardiovascular effects, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, lung inflammation |
| Environmental effects | Deposition of acids, visibility impairment, ozone layer depletion, climate change, soil and water pollution |
| Progress | Total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 78% between 1970 and 2023 |
| --- | From 1990 to 2017, emissions of air toxics declined by 74% |
| --- | The Clean Air Act has successfully driven pollution reduction for over 50 years |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution and health: Ozone and particle pollution cause inflammation and increase health risks
- Climate change: It enhances conditions for ozone pollution and makes cleaning up harder
- EPA's role: The US Environmental Protection Agency protects people from air pollution
- Progress: Since 1970, the US GDP rose 321% but emissions of six principal pollutants dropped 78%
- State rankings: States are ranked based on toxic chemical pollution and health risks to residents
Air pollution and health: Ozone and particle pollution cause inflammation and increase health risks
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths annually. In the United States, about 66 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere in 2023, contributing to the formation of ozone and particles, among other issues.
Ozone and particle pollution are significant concerns within the broader issue of air pollution in the United States. Ground-level ozone, often referred to as smog, is formed when pollutants from vehicles, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. This ozone layer close to the ground is harmful to human health, especially on hot, sunny days when it can reach unhealthy levels. People with asthma, children, older adults, and those who work or exercise outdoors are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ozone. Long-term exposure to ozone can irritate and inflame the lungs, similar to a sunburn, and is linked to asthma development and aggravation.
Particle pollution, or particulate matter (PM), is composed of tiny solids and liquids in the air, including chemicals such as sulfates, nitrates, carbon, or mineral dust. Sources of particle pollution include vehicle and industrial emissions from fossil fuel combustion, cigarette smoke, and burning organic matter such as wildfires. These particles are extremely small, capable of infiltrating the body's natural defenses and causing damage.
The health risks associated with ozone and particle pollution are extensive. In addition to asthma-related issues, exposure to these pollutants during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Ozone and particle pollution are also associated with lung and heart disease, including increased risks of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inflammation caused by these pollutants puts additional stress on the lungs, heart, and other organs, potentially resulting in worsening symptoms, increased medication use, and reduced quality of life.
While the United States has made progress in improving air quality, with reductions in certain air pollutants and the implementation of regulations and technological advancements, air pollution remains a significant health concern. Millions of people across the country are vulnerable to its effects, and continued efforts are necessary to protect public health and reduce the impact of ozone and particle pollution on at-risk individuals and communities.
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Climate change: It enhances conditions for ozone pollution and makes cleaning up harder
Climate change enhances the conditions for ozone pollution and makes cleaning up harder. Ozone and particle pollution are linked to an increased risk of premature birth and lower birth weight in newborns. Ozone pollution irritates the lungs, causing inflammation. Particle pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer and cause early death, heart attacks, strokes, and emergency room visits.
In 2023, about 66 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere in the United States. Despite this, between 1970 and 2023, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 78%. From 1990 to 2017, emissions of air toxics declined by 74%, largely due to federal and state regulations and technological advancements.
However, climate change-driven factors such as wildfires, high temperatures, and emissions create ideal conditions for ozone formation. In 2023, the Midwest and Plains states up to Texas were hit hard by worsening ozone levels due to the transport of ozone-forming pollutants from Canadian wildfires and high temperatures in the South. The Upper Midwest experienced record-high surface ozone levels in May and June of 2023 due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
Climate change increases the risk of wildfires and the resulting smoke spreads dangerous particle pollution. Wildfires, driven by worsening heat and drought, have increased in number, size, and intensity in the US. The impact of climate change has resulted in more frequent stagnation events, higher temperatures, and dry, sunny skies, leading to more unhealthy ozone days.
Communities of color are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air and are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution due to higher rates of chronic conditions. Nearly half of the US population lives in areas that received an "F" for air quality in 2025, with over 156 million people residing in counties failing ozone or particle pollution standards.
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EPA's role: The US Environmental Protection Agency protects people from air pollution
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal government agency established by President Nixon in December 1970. The EPA's primary mission is to protect human and environmental health. It does this by regulating the manufacturing, processing, distribution, and use of chemicals and other pollutants. The EPA enforces its findings through fines, sanctions, and other procedures.
The EPA has been instrumental in improving air quality in the US. For example, the agency has reduced emissions of air pollutants, with a 78% decrease in the six principal air pollutants between 1970 and 2023. This has been achieved through various programs and initiatives, such as the National Air Pollution Control program, the Clean Air Act, and the Air Toxics Program. The EPA also tracks a range of emissions data, including how much of each pollutant is emitted from various pollution sources, and develops programs to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
One notable success of the EPA's efforts is the reduction of airborne lead concentrations. Through the phase-out of leaded gasoline, controls on emissions of lead compounds, and other national and state regulations, airborne lead concentrations in the US decreased by 98% between 1980 and 2005. The EPA has also made significant progress in reducing emissions of air toxics, with a 74% decline from 1990 to 2017, driven by federal and state regulations and technological advancements.
Despite these successes, the EPA faces challenges in fully protecting Americans from air pollution. In 2023, about 140 million people lived in counties with pollution levels above the primary NAAQS, and nearly half of the US population breathed air that received an "F" grade in the "State of the Air" report for 2025. Additionally, the EPA has faced staffing and funding cuts that endanger its ability to continue its vital work.
Overall, the EPA plays a crucial role in protecting Americans from air pollution by regulating pollutants, enforcing laws, and implementing programs to improve air quality. While there have been notable improvements in air quality due to the EPA's efforts, ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued dedication to addressing air pollution in the US.
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Progress: Since 1970, the US GDP rose 321% but emissions of six principal pollutants dropped 78%
The United States' progress in reducing pollution can be measured by examining its economic growth and the corresponding levels of pollutant emissions. Between 1970 and 2023, the US GDP rose by 321%, vehicle miles travelled increased by 194%, energy consumption increased by 42%, and the population grew by 63%. Notably, during the same period, emissions of the six principal air pollutants decreased by 78%. This significant drop in emissions amidst robust economic growth indicates notable progress in the country's efforts to combat pollution.
The US has implemented various measures to address pollution, particularly air quality issues. The permanent phase-out of leaded gasoline and the EPA's air toxics program, which controls emissions of lead compounds, have been instrumental in reducing airborne lead concentrations. From 1980 to 2005, airborne lead concentrations decreased by 98%, and after a methodology change in 2008, emissions continued to decrease by 30% from 2008 to 2017. These achievements demonstrate a commitment to reducing harmful pollutants that pose risks to human health and the environment.
Federal and state regulations, along with technological advancements, have also played a crucial role in reducing air toxics emissions. Between 1990 and 2017, emissions of air toxics declined by 74%, largely due to the implementation of stationary and mobile source regulations. Despite this progress, it is important to recognize that air pollution remains a serious health threat. Ozone and particle pollution can cause respiratory issues, trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and increase the risk of premature birth and lower birth weight in newborns.
While the US has made significant strides in reducing emissions and improving air quality, there is still work to be done. In 2023, about 66 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of ozone and particles, acid deposition, and visibility impairment. Additionally, approximately 140 million people lived in counties with pollution levels above the primary NAAQS in the same year. The transportation and electricity generation sectors are the top emitters of carbon dioxide, primarily from burning fossil fuels. To accelerate progress, it is essential to prioritize renewable energy sources and incentivize the use of electric vehicles.
In summary, the US has made substantial progress in reducing pollution, as evidenced by the 78% drop in emissions of the six principal pollutants since 1970, alongside impressive economic growth. However, ongoing challenges, such as high pollution levels in certain counties and the dominance of fossil fuels in the energy sector, underscore the need for continued efforts and policy support to further improve air quality and protect public health.
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State rankings: States are ranked based on toxic chemical pollution and health risks to residents
The ranking of U.S. states based on toxic chemical pollution and health risks to residents considers various factors. These include air pollution, as well as pollutants in the soil, water, and building materials that can impact the health of residents and workers. The rankings also take into account the health impacts on vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
One source provides a list of the 12 most polluted states in the U.S. and their effects on human health. According to this source, Alabama is one of the most polluted states due to industrial sites, power plants, and coal mining. The air pollution in Alabama includes particles and chemical carcinogens, while coal-burning power plants and coal mines contribute significantly to water pollution. Another state mentioned is Delaware, where the chemical industry has polluted the air, water, and soil. The American Lung Association gave Delaware's three counties grades of C, D, and F for ozone in the air, and the state also has significant particle pollution.
Another source ranks states based on industrial toxins and toxic chemical pollution. This ranking considers releases to air, water, and land from industries such as manufacturing, mining, electric power generation, and hazardous waste treatment. However, it is important to note that the rankings may change over time and can be influenced by various factors.
While there has been progress in improving air quality, approximately 140 million people in the U.S. lived in counties with pollution levels above the primary NAAQS in 2023. Additionally, nearly half of the U.S. population lives where the air quality received a failing grade in 2025. This highlights the ongoing challenge of reducing air pollution and its health impacts in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
The USA has shown progress in improving air quality, with a 78% reduction in the total emissions of the six principal air pollutants between 1970 and 2023. However, in 2025, more than 42 million people lived in counties that received an "F" for all three air pollution measures, and nearly half of Americans lived in areas with failing air quality. Overall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is facing challenges due to funding and staffing cuts, threatening its ability to protect public health from air pollution.
Vehicle emissions, energy consumption, and industrial activities are significant contributors to air pollution in the USA. Particulate matter and ozone pollution are the most common types, posing risks to human health, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.
The Clean Air Act has driven pollution reduction efforts for over 50 years, and the EPA has developed national programs to achieve significant reductions in air emissions. However, climate change and extreme weather events, such as wildfires, are creating new challenges for maintaining air quality, especially in certain regions.
