Meghan Hodges
Despite efforts to combat pollution in the United States, it remains a significant issue. Pollution in the US is caused by both natural sources, such as wildfires and volcanoes, and anthropogenic sources, including everyday human activities like transportation, manufacturing, and waste generation. Air pollution, in particular, has severe health implications for Americans, causing respiratory problems, cancer, cardiovascular issues, organ failure, infections, behavioural changes, and other diseases. The State of the Air 2025 report found that 46% of Americans live in areas with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, with the problem worsening in recent years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people living in places with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution | 156.1 million (46% of Americans) |
| Number of people living in places with unhealthy air pollution levels | 156 million (nearly half of the people in the U.S.) |
| Number of people living in counties with failing grades for year-round particle pollution | 85-90 million |
| Number of people living in counties with pollution levels above the primary NAAQS | 140 million |
| Total amount of pollution emitted into the atmosphere in the U.S. in 2023 | 66 million tons |
| Percentage increase in gross domestic product from 1970 to 2023 | 321% |
| Percentage increase in vehicle miles traveled from 1970 to 2023 | 194% |
| Percentage increase in energy consumption from 1970 to 2023 | 42% |
| Percentage increase in the U.S. population from 1970 to 2023 | 63% |
| Percentage decrease in total emissions of the six principal air pollutants from 1970 to 2023 | 78% |
| Percentage decrease in emissions of air toxics from 1990 to 2017 | 74% |
| Municipal solid waste generated per year | 300 million tons |
| Municipal solid waste dumped at landfill sites | 150 million tons |
| Number of Superfund sites | Thousands |
| Percentage of American adults worried about polluted drinking water | 60% |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution and health
Air pollution has been a concern in the United States since the Industrial Revolution. It is the introduction of harmful chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials into the atmosphere, which can cause damage to humans, other living organisms, and ecosystems. The sources of air pollution can be natural, such as wildfires and volcanoes, or anthropogenic, such as emissions from vehicles, factories, and industrial activity. According to a 2024 report, around 39% of Americans (approximately 131.2 million people) live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.
The health effects of air pollution are significant and wide-ranging. It has been linked to respiratory problems, with around 88% of premature deaths in low- to middle-income counties attributed to respiratory issues. Studies have shown that communities with a high proportion of racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Hispanics and African Americans, experience higher rates of asthma. Additionally, prenatal exposure to air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of asthma in children.
Air pollution also affects cardiovascular health. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, lead, and particulate matter contribute to increased hospitalisations and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. It is estimated that cardiovascular disease kills one person every 40 seconds in the United States. Furthermore, air pollution has been linked to cancer incidence and mortality, with higher rates observed in African Americans and Hispanics.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating air pollution in the United States. The EPA has implemented policies such as the Clean Power Plan and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to reduce air pollution and improve public health. However, the EPA faces challenges due to funding and staffing cuts, threatening its ability to protect public health effectively.
While there have been successes in reducing emissions and improving air quality, the changing climate and extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and droughts, are making it more difficult to maintain progress. The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report highlights the impact of air pollution on public health, with increasing numbers of people exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution. It is important to address air pollution and its health consequences through continued monitoring, regulation, and the implementation of protective policies.
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Water pollution
Industrial Waste
Industrial waste has been a significant contributor to water pollution in the US since the 19th century, with the development of mechanized agriculture, mining, and manufacturing industries. In 1922, the American Water Works Association identified a range of industries as pollution sources, including mining, food processing, chemical and dye works, oil wells and refineries, metal working, textiles, leather tanning, and pulp and paper mills. Despite regulations such as the Clean Water Act of 1972, which has driven improvements in water quality, industrial sources continue to be a problem. The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) argues that the EPA has not updated its standards for highly polluting industries in decades, and that the Clean Water Act has not achieved its promised goals.
Agricultural Run-off
Agricultural practices are another major cause of water pollution in the US. Nutrient pollution, caused by farm waste and fertilizer entering water bodies, creates zones with depleted oxygen levels. Pesticides and fertilizers can also contaminate groundwater, rendering it unsafe for human use. This is a particular concern as about 40% of drinking water in America comes from groundwater sources.
Outdated or Leaking Sewer Systems
Some localized water quality issues are caused by outdated or leaking piping and collection systems, leading to combined and sanitary sewer overflows. Poor upkeep of sewer infrastructure has resulted in contamination from leaks, posing significant health risks as wastewater carries diseases like salmonella, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.
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Land pollution
One of the primary contributors to land pollution in the United States is the improper disposal of waste. This includes both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, such as asbestos, recyclable materials, and abandoned cars. Illegal dumping often occurs in forests, open fields, and ditches, releasing chemicals and microparticles into the environment as the waste degrades. Additionally, when waste is not managed properly, it can attract rats, mosquitoes, and other disease-carrying pests, further exacerbating the issue.
Mining, or mineral extraction, is another significant cause of land pollution. It can directly destroy land by leaving large holes in the ground and causing erosion. Mining activities can also release toxic chemicals into the air and soil, contaminating the environment and posing risks to human health.
Agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides and herbicides, can also contribute to land pollution. These chemicals can pollute the soil and water supply, leading to adverse effects on both human and animal health. Animal waste from livestock can similarly contaminate the soil and water, disrupting ecosystems and animal habitats.
Construction activities, aimed at accommodating the growing population, also generate large amounts of waste materials such as metal, plastic, wood, and bricks. When these materials are not properly recycled or disposed of, they contribute to land pollution in the respective areas.
The consequences of land pollution are far-reaching and impact both the environment and human health. Contaminated soil can leach toxic chemicals into nearby ground or surface waters, which can then be taken up by plants and animals, ultimately contaminating the human food and water supply. Additionally, hazardous materials can volatilize and contaminate indoor air in overlying buildings.
To address land pollution, individuals can make conscious efforts to reduce, recycle, and properly dispose of their waste. However, preventing land pollution on a large scale will require changes in policy and regulation to ensure the responsible handling and disposal of toxic and hazardous materials.
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Climate change and pollution
Air pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances, such as chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials, into the Earth's atmosphere. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on humans, other living organisms, and ecosystems. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbates the challenges of air pollution and poses significant risks to public health.
The United States has made notable progress in reducing air pollution over the years. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), emissions of the six principal air pollutants in the U.S. decreased by 78% between 1970 and 2023. Additionally, the phase-out of leaded gasoline and controls on emissions of lead compounds through the EPA's air toxics program led to a 98% decrease in airborne lead concentrations between 1980 and 2005. Despite these achievements, air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to public health, and the issue is distributed unevenly across the population.
Climate change is a critical factor in the air pollution landscape. As the planet warms due to greenhouse gases, extreme weather events, heatwaves, and wildfires become more frequent and intense. These events contribute to worsening air quality, particularly in western states. The EPA has acknowledged the role of climate change in driving carbon pollution and has taken steps to address it through initiatives such as the Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce carbon pollution from power plants.
The health impacts of air pollution and climate change are significant. Air pollution has been linked to respiratory problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, organ failure, infections, and behavioural changes. Climate change extends the pollen production season, exacerbating allergies and triggering asthma attacks. It also contributes to rising sea levels, more extreme weather, and the increased transmission of infectious diseases. These impacts disproportionately affect certain demographic groups, with communities of colour and lower socioeconomic status bearing a higher burden of pollution-related health issues.
Addressing climate change and pollution requires concerted efforts at all levels. Initiatives such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Power Plan are steps in the right direction, but more urgent and comprehensive action is needed to mitigate the health and environmental consequences of these interconnected issues.
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EPA's role in pollution control
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created by the Nixon administration in 1969–1971, alongside the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The EPA's role in pollution control is multifaceted and involves the implementation of various programs, policies, and regulations.
One of the EPA's primary roles is to monitor and regulate air pollution. They estimate emissions of ambient air pollutants and their precursors, tracking a range of emissions data, including the amount and type of pollutants emitted by vehicles, factories, and other sources. The EPA has played a crucial role in reducing airborne lead concentrations, with a 98% decrease between 1980 and 2005, and a further 30% decrease from 2008 to 2017. The agency also enforces the Clean Air Act, which aims to protect and improve air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer.
In addition to air pollution control, the EPA addresses water pollution through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, created by the Clean Water Act of 1972. This program regulates point sources that discharge pollutants into US waters, and as of 2025, 47 states have been approved by the EPA to administer parts or all of this program.
The EPA also has initiatives to encourage companies to voluntarily prevent and reduce pollution, such as the 33/50 program implemented in 1991. Furthermore, the agency has contributed to the development of pollution control technology, with researchers making significant discoveries related to "fuel nitrogen" and advancements in SO2 scrubbers.
The EPA's role in pollution control extends to addressing climate change. In the 1990s, the agency took early actions, such as hosting a symposium on GHG emissions and mitigation in 1992. The EPA's scientific expertise played a crucial role in determining that greenhouse gases pose a threat to human health and welfare in 2009.
Overall, the EPA's efforts in pollution control have resulted in significant environmental improvements, and the agency continues to work towards reducing pollution and protecting public health.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, 46% of Americans (approximately 156.1 million people) live in areas with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. This is an increase of almost 25 million people compared to the previous year's report.
Everyday human-made activities such as manufacturing, transportation, and waste generation are major contributors to pollution in the US. The burning of fossil fuels is a leading cause of air pollution, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) being one of the most dangerous pollutants.
Air pollution has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, cancer, organ failure, infections, behavioural changes, and other diseases. It also disproportionately affects certain demographic groups, with higher rates of adverse health effects among racial minorities and low-income communities.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in protecting public health from air pollution. However, recent staffing and funding cuts, as well as a rollback of regulatory enforcement, have hindered their efforts. Additionally, the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act have been implemented to address environmental concerns.
One example is the Flint, Michigan water crisis between 2014 and 2019, where thousands of residents were exposed to dangerous levels of lead in their drinking water. Another example is the increased risk of asthma among children exposed to air pollution, with higher rates among African American and Hispanic children.
