Air Pollution's American History: A Problem's Roots

Air pollution has been a problem in America since the 19th century, when industrialisation led to episodes of smog in cities like New York and London, causing many deaths. In the 20th century, air pollution continued to be a significant issue, with a notable incident in Donora, Pennsylvania, in 1948, where severe air pollution led to 20 deaths and over 7000 cases of serious illness. The Clean Air Act of 1970 was the first legislation to address air pollution in America, and since then, various amendments and policies have been implemented to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality. Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a pressing issue, with a 2023 report by the American Lung Association finding that over 120 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution.

The Clean Air Act

Air pollution has been a problem in America since at least the 1960s. In 1963, an air pollution inversion in New York led to 405 deaths. In 1966, another inversion caused 168 deaths.

In response to the growing issue of air pollution, Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970. This act allowed the newly created U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set national air quality standards. The Clean Air Act is the United States' primary federal air quality law and is intended to reduce and control air pollution nationwide.

Air pollution and health

Air pollution has been a problem in America since at least the 1960s, when a 1963 air pollution inversion in New York led to 405 deaths. The Clean Air Act was passed in 1970, allowing the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set national air quality standards. Since then, the EPA has played a critical role in protecting Americans' health from air pollution.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution has serious health impacts. It can trigger asthma attacks, cause lung disease, and increase the risk of an array of serious medical conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and cognitive impairment. It can also lead to low birth weight in babies and harm lung development in children. Particles in air pollution can be smaller than 1/30th the diameter of a human hair, allowing them to bypass the body's natural defenses and enter the respiratory system. Ozone and particle pollution are both linked to an increased risk of premature birth.

People who work or exercise outdoors are at a higher risk of experiencing the health effects of air pollution. This includes children, older adults, and those with pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. Additionally, people of color and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution, putting them at a higher risk for illness.

Progress and Challenges

While great progress has been made in achieving national air quality standards, air pollution remains a significant issue in the United States. The American Lung Association's 2025 report found that nearly 156 million Americans live in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution, driven by extreme wildfires, drought, and rising heat. This has resulted in record-high particle pollution, putting millions at risk for lung disease, heart issues, and early death.

The EPA has been under threat due to staffing and funding cuts, endangering its ability to protect public health effectively. Despite these challenges, the EPA continues to play a crucial role in regulating air quality and addressing the health impacts of air pollution.

Industrial growth and emissions

The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century, quickly spread across Europe and North America. This period was characterized by a sharp increase in carbon emissions due to the extensive use of fossil fuels, such as coal, to power heavy machinery. The United States, in particular, experienced near-constant growth in emissions from 1850 to the mid-20th century due to industrialization and population growth. By 1887, the U.S. had become the top carbon dioxide emitter in the world, a position it maintained throughout the 20th century.

The Clean Air Act, passed by Congress in 1970, was a significant step in addressing air pollution in the United States. This legislation allowed the newly created U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set national air quality standards and work towards reducing carbon emissions. Amendments to the Clean Air Act in 1990 further strengthened it by requiring cities to implement specific air pollution control measures.

Despite these efforts, the United States continues to have one of the highest carbon footprints globally. Recent data reveals that global carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 were 182 times higher than in 1850, during the Industrial Revolution. While there have been slight decreases in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. in recent years, primarily due to reduced coal-fired electricity generation, the country still faces challenges in mitigating emissions from the industrial and transportation sectors.

To address these challenges, the Clean Power Plan aims to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants while maintaining energy reliability and affordability. This plan includes strong but achievable standards for power plants and customized goals for states to reduce carbon pollution and address climate change. Additionally, the EPA has been working to strengthen standards for vehicles and fuels, such as the implementation of tougher clean air standards for private passenger vehicles and the reduction of sulfur levels in diesel fuel. These efforts reflect the ongoing commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of industrial growth and emissions in the United States.

Air pollution and climate change

Air pollution has been a problem in America since the 19th century, when "smog" (a combination of smoke and fog) in cities like New York and London resulted in many deaths. In the 20th century, industrialisation and urbanisation led to a surge in oil and coal usage, which quickly became the biggest sources of fuel. This, in turn, led to increased air pollution. In 1948, 20 people were asphyxiated and over 7,000 became seriously ill due to severe air pollution in Donora, Pennsylvania. This incident, along with the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire, led to the creation of the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955, the first federal attempt to control air pollution.

The Clean Air Act, established in 1970, authorises the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate harmful air pollutant emissions and safeguard public health. The EPA has since played a critical role in developing and implementing outdoor air regulations. The Clean Air Act has been amended over time, with Congress providing more time for areas with serious air quality problems to comply with standards in 1977. The American Lung Association has also played a significant role in advocating for stronger clean air standards and successfully lobbying Congress to strengthen the Clean Air Act.

Despite significant progress in achieving national air quality standards, air pollution remains a pressing issue in America. Six out of ten Americans live in areas where air pollution reaches unhealthy levels. Climate change-fuelled wildfires and extreme heat are adding to the challenges of protecting public health. Additionally, people of colour are more likely to live in counties with failing grades in ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution. Historical racist zoning policies and discriminatory lending practices have contributed to this disparity, with communities of colour bearing the brunt of the health consequences.

Air pollution has far-reaching impacts on both human health and the planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor and outdoor air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths globally each year. Air pollution contributes to ground-level ozone pollution, the spread of waterborne and pest-related diseases, and the production and dispersion of airborne allergens. Additionally, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas pollution lead to more frequent and intense heat waves, particularly affecting the poor and elderly. The effects of climate change, such as ocean acidification, sea level rise, and ecosystem damage, further compound the challenges.

Environmental racism

Air pollution has been a problem in America for decades, with the first national air quality standards set in 1971. However, the issue of air pollution in the country became prominent in the 1960s, with a notable incident of air pollution inversion in New York leading to 405 deaths in 1963. In 1966, another air pollution inversion incident in the same city took 168 lives. In 1967, the Air Quality Control Act was passed by Congress, allowing states to establish their own quality standards. The Clean Air Act was passed by Congress in 1970, enabling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set national air quality standards.

Despite the progress made in achieving national air quality standards, environmental racism remains a pervasive issue in America. Environmental racism refers to the systemic inequities that disproportionately impact underrepresented and underserved communities, primarily composed of people of color and low-socioeconomic backgrounds. These communities are burdened with higher rates of pollutants, toxic waste facilities, garbage dumps, and other sources of environmental pollution, resulting in higher rates of chronic health issues such as cancer, asthma, and pregnancy defects.

The term "environmental racism" was coined by civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. to describe the intentional siting of polluting industries and waste facilities in communities predominantly populated by racial and ethnic minorities, including African Americans, Latines, Indigenous People, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and low-income workers. A notable example of environmental racism occurred in 1982 when a rural Black community in North Carolina was designated as a disposal site for soil laced with carcinogenic compounds, sparking national attention and protests.

The fight for environmental justice aims to address the root causes of environmental racism, which are deeply ingrained in the history of the United States. Advocates for environmental justice have made significant strides, such as the precedent-setting settlement in Chicago, which committed the city to implementing reforms to address its racist land use and environmental policies. However, addressing the systemic nature of environmental racism remains a complex and ongoing challenge.

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