Meghan Hodges
Despite decades of successful efforts to reduce sources of air pollution in the USA, nearly half of Americans (46%)—approximately 156 million people—are living in places with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. This issue disproportionately affects people of color, who are more than twice as likely as white individuals to live in communities with failing grades for pollution. While air quality has improved nationally since 1980, a changing climate is making it harder to maintain this progress, with increases in high ozone days and spikes in particle pollution related to extreme heat, drought, and wildfires. The US is currently phasing out the production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam-making, as they are damaging greenhouse gases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Trends | EPA uses measurements from monitors across the country to determine air quality trends. |
| Air Quality Improvement | Air quality has improved nationally since 1980, with a 30% decrease in emissions from 2008 to 2017. |
| Current Challenges | Climate change, conventional air pollution, and ozone layer depletion continue to threaten Americans' health. |
| Main Sources of Pollution | Burning of fossil fuels, dust from traffic, biomass burning for cooking and heating, piston engine aircraft, and industrial sources. |
| Health Impact | Air pollution is linked to respiratory issues like asthma and other health problems, diseases, and behavior changes, disproportionately affecting low-income and colored communities. |
| Regulatory Body | EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) regulates air pollution along with federal, state, and local governments. |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | EPA uses the AQI, a scale from 0 to 500 with six color-coded levels, to communicate air pollution risk and health concerns to the public. |
| Pollutant-Specific Programs | The Acid Rain Program targets sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants using fossil fuels. |
| Phase-Out Initiatives | The U.S. is phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam-making, which are harmful greenhouse gases. |
| Emissions Data | EPA tracks emissions data from various sources, including industrial activity, technological developments, fuel consumption, and vehicle miles traveled. |
| Community Initiatives | National Clean Diesel Campaign, Clean School Bus USA, SmartWay Transport Partnership, wood smoke reduction, and community monitoring grants. |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution and health
Air pollution is a serious health threat in the United States, with 46% of Americans (approximately 156.1 million people) living in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution as of 2025. This issue has been exacerbated by climate change, with extreme heat, drought, and wildfires contributing to worsening air quality. The health effects of air pollution are not evenly distributed across the population, with communities of colour and low-income areas being disproportionately impacted.
Air pollution has been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including premature death, cancer, organ failure, infections, behavioural changes, and other diseases. Fine particulate matter in the air, known as PM2.5, can be inhaled and is small enough to bypass the body's natural defences. Ozone and particle pollution are associated with an increased risk of premature and low-birth-weight newborns. People who live or work near busy highways, as well as those who work or exercise outdoors, are at a higher risk of experiencing the harmful effects of air pollution.
Certain demographics are especially vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution. This includes children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. According to the American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report, air pollution is causing asthma attacks in children, making people who work outdoors sick, and contributing to low birth weight in babies. Additionally, air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and, in severe cases, even lead to death.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating air pollution to protect public health. The EPA uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to inform the public about air pollution risks. Their efforts have helped reduce emissions and improve air quality since the 1980s. However, recent staffing and funding cuts threaten the EPA's ability to continue this vital work.
To address air pollution and its health impacts effectively, a combination of regulatory measures, emission reductions, and public awareness is necessary. While progress has been made in reducing emissions from transportation, power plants, and manufacturing, the changing climate and increasing natural disasters are creating new challenges for maintaining healthy air quality. Therefore, continued efforts and support for organisations like the EPA are essential to safeguard public health and mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution.
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Climate change and pollution
The impacts of climate change are far-reaching and affect every region of the United States. One of the primary consequences is desertification, which is the degradation of land and vegetation due to drier conditions caused by shifts in precipitation patterns. Almost 40% of the US is arid or semi-arid, making it highly susceptible to desertification, and this has significantly impacted agricultural land in the country, particularly in the West. Climate change has also exacerbated social inequities, disproportionately affecting underserved communities, low-income groups, and communities of color. These communities face higher risks of illness and death from extreme heat, climate-driven floods, and air pollution due to a lack of access to adequate infrastructure, green spaces, and safe housing.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, the US has taken several steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate pollution. The Clean Air Act, implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to limit greenhouse gas pollution from large sources. As part of this act, the EPA and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration issued the first national greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and trucks for model years 2012-2025. Additionally, in 2015, President Obama and the EPA announced the Clean Power Plan, which focuses on reducing carbon pollution from power plants and provides customized goals for states to curb carbon emissions.
Furthermore, there has been a growing emphasis on transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The prices of solar and wind energy have dropped significantly since 2009, making them the cheapest forms of energy in the United States currently. This transition away from fossil fuels is crucial for mitigating climate change and its impacts, and it is expected to eliminate domestic air pollution, saving hundreds of thousands of lives annually. While progress has been made, challenges remain, and continued efforts are necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.
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Air quality trends
The EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale from 0 to 500 that communicates air pollution risk to the public, with six levels ranging from "Good" to "Hazardous". The AQI includes six color-coded categories, each corresponding to a range of index values. An AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while a value over 300 represents hazardous air quality. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.
Despite improvements in air quality since the 1980s, air pollution continues to pose a threat to public health and welfare in the United States. The EPA has identified several key challenges, including climate change, conventional air pollution, and ozone layer depletion. The main sources of environmental pollution are the burning of fossil fuels, dust generated by traffic, and biomass used for cooking and heating.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people living in places with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. The 2025 "State of the Air" report found that 46% of Americans (approximately 156.1 million people) live in areas with failing grades for air quality due to high levels of ozone or particle pollution. This is an increase of nearly 25 million people compared to the previous year's report. The report also highlights the impact of climate change, with increases in high ozone days and spikes in particle pollution related to extreme heat, drought, and wildfires.
To address these challenges, the EPA has implemented various initiatives, including the National Clean Diesel Campaign, Clean School Bus USA, and the SmartWay Transport Partnership. The United States is also phasing out the production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are damaging greenhouse gases used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam-making.
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Causes of air pollution
Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles, known as aerosols, and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can be harmful to the planet and human health. They can come from various sources, including car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, volcanoes, and wildfires.
Mobile sources, such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains, are a significant contributor to air pollution in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mobile sources account for more than half of the country's air pollution, with automobiles being the primary source.
Stationary sources, such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and factories, also play a significant role in air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum, releases harmful particles and gases into the atmosphere. Coal-powered plants, in particular, have been associated with increased mortality risk, with exposure linked to various health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Additionally, area sources, such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood-burning fireplaces, contribute to air pollution. Certain gases, such as ozone, are major causes of air pollution in urban areas. Ground-level ozone is created when sunlight reacts with pollutants from burning fossil fuels, car exhaust, and industrial sources. Wildfires, which are often human-induced, also contribute to air pollution by releasing smoke and hazardous substances into the atmosphere.
Natural sources, such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes, also emit pollutants into the air. Volcanic eruptions release ash and gases, while decomposing organic matter in soils emits gases like methane. These natural sources can have far-reaching impacts on air quality, as demonstrated by NASA's data showing how ash from a Chilean volcano affected the atmosphere globally.
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Air pollution and environmental inequality
Despite improvements in air quality in the US since 1980, air pollution continues to be a pressing issue. The "State of the Air" 2025 report found that 46% of Americans (approximately 156.1 million people) live in areas with unhealthily high levels of ozone or particle pollution. This issue has been exacerbated by climate change, with extreme heat, drought, and wildfires increasing air pollution and posing risks to millions of people.
While air pollution affects everyone, it is important to recognize that its impacts are not evenly distributed. Environmental inequality refers to the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and benefits among different groups of people. In the context of air pollution, this means that certain communities are disproportionately exposed to harmful pollutants and face greater health risks as a result.
Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in determining the impact of air pollution. Multiple studies have found that individuals with a lower socioeconomic status are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, including premature death and respiratory issues. This is often due to their proximity to major sources of pollution, such as industrial facilities or areas with high traffic. Additionally, low-income communities may have limited access to healthcare services, healthy food options, and job opportunities, further exacerbating the impact of air pollution on their health and well-being.
Racial and ethnic disparities are also evident in the distribution of air pollution impacts. Research has consistently shown that non-Hispanic Black individuals and communities of color bear a disproportionate burden of pollution exposure. This disparity persists even when controlling for income, suggesting that factors beyond economic inequality contribute to environmental inequality. For example, historical redlining and discriminatory housing policies have concentrated people of color in environmentally vulnerable areas, increasing their exposure to pollutants. Additionally, people of color may experience higher levels of stress due to discrimination, making them more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution.
While economic disparities have long been suspected as a root cause of environmental inequality, recent studies suggest that the relationship between income, wealth, and pollution exposure is relatively weak. Large increases in income do lead to reductions in air pollution exposure, but the effect is modest. This indicates that addressing income inequality alone will not be sufficient to significantly reduce environmental inequality. Instead, a multifaceted approach is needed, addressing the complex interplay of economic, social, and historical factors that contribute to environmental inequality.
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