A newly released report focusing on air quality throughout the United States has painted a troubling picture for the long-term health of approximately 156 million residents. This significant number represents those living in areas that have received an F grade due to smog and soot pollution. The annual State of the Air report from the American Lung Association examined data from 2021 to 2023 and found a staggering 25 million additional individuals now breathe what the report characterizes as "unhealthy levels of air pollution" compared to the previous year.

This year's findings indicate that nearly 46% of the U.S. population resides in regions that received failing grades in at least one of three critical pollution categories: short-term particle pollution, year-round particle pollution, and ozone pollution. Such alarming statistics highlight a growing public health concern that affects millions of Americans daily.

Despite significant progress in reducing air pollution since the enactment of the Clean Air Act in 1970during which emissions of the six most common air pollutants have plummeted by 78%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)recent analyses reveal an unsettling trend: air pollution levels appear to be rising again.

Laura Kate Bender, assistant vice president at the American Lung Association, shared her concerns with CBS News, stating, "Since the act passed, the air pollution has gone down overall. The challenge is that over the last few years, we're starting to see it tick back up again, and that's because of climate change, in part. Climate change is making some of those conditions for wildfires and extreme heat that drive ozone pollution worse for a lot of the country." This acknowledgment underscores the multifaceted nature of air quality issues, linking them directly to broader climate change phenomena.

In a stark juxtaposition, Bakersfield, California, has maintained its position as the city with the most severe year-round and short-term particle pollution for the sixth consecutive year. This industrial hub is known for its agriculture, mining, and oil refineries, which all contribute to its pollution levels. On the other hand, Casper, Wyoming, a small city with a population of less than 80,000, has been lauded as the cleanest city in the United States in terms of year-round particle pollution, illustrating a stark contrast between urban pollution hotspots and cleaner rural areas.

The report also highlights a concerning trend: while previous assessments indicated that the worst air quality was primarily concentrated in the western states, this years report suggests that the issues are increasingly shifting eastward. Factors such as extreme heat, insufficient rainfall, and the rampant wildfires exacerbated by climate change are playing a significant role in deteriorating air quality across various regions of the country. The report specifically points to the deadly heat wave of 2023 and the smoke from Canadas devastating wildfire season as notable contributors affecting air quality even in central and eastern states.

Kevin Stewart, the environmental health director of the American Lung Association, remarked to CBS Philadelphia, "I think we knew that the wildfire smoke would have an impact on air quality in the United States. I think we were surprised at the Lung Association by how strong the effect was, especially in the northeastern quadrant of the continental United States." This statement highlights the emerging patterns of pollution affecting regions previously considered less vulnerable.

Adding to the growing concerns, the EPA made headlines last month by announcing plans to roll back or modify 31 crucial environmental rules and regulations. These changes include revisions to national air quality standards for particulate matter and emission standards for industrial pollutants, as well as regulations aimed at limiting vehicle emissions. According to Kate Bender, such proposed cuts jeopardize over five decades of progress in improving air quality. "Unfortunately, we see that everything that makes our air quality better is at risk," she stated, emphasizing the potential public health ramifications of these regulatory changes.

In defense of these deregulation efforts, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin argued that these measures would actually drive down costs for American families and revitalize domestic energy production. In an interview with senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang on Face the Nation, Zeldin assured viewers that he could "absolutely" guarantee that the deregulations initiated during the Trump administration would not adversely affect public health or environmental integrity.

The health consequences of air pollution are significant and well-documented. Both ozone and particulate matter are linked to severe health issues that can lead to premature death. The American Lung Association has extensively studied the detrimental effects of poor air quality, which can trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer, and even impair cognitive functions later in life.

Kezia Ofosu Atta, the advocacy director for the Lung Association in Michigan, expressed the urgency of addressing air quality concerns, stating, "The air pollutants covered in this report are widespread and can impact anyone's health. This air pollution is causing kids to have asthma attacks, making people who work outdoors sick and unable to work, and leading to low birth weight in babies." Her remarks serve as a call to action for lawmakers to prioritize clean air initiatives, particularly in cities like Detroit, which ranked sixth in the nation for year-round pollution.

Furthermore, the report highlights the disproportionate impact of air pollution on marginalized communities, particularly among Black populations. The long-standing history of systemic racism, including segregation and the strategic placement of pollution sourceslike power plants, industrial sites, landfills, and highwayswithin economically disadvantaged neighborhoods contributes to these communities experiencing significantly higher health risks from air pollution.

Concluding the report is a reminder of the critical need for ongoing efforts to combat pollution and protect public health, especially as the climate crisis continues to evolve. The growing body of evidence underscores that without concerted action, the air that millions breathe may become increasingly hazardous, jeopardizing health outcomes for generations to come.

Jerod Dabne contributed reporting.