Maps Show Worst Air Quality in US as Warnings Issued for Children
Summary
A new report from the American Lung Association shows that many parts of the United States still have unhealthy air, especially for children. Large cities in California, Texas, the Midwest, and the Northeast often have high levels of smog and fine particle pollution, which can harm lung health and development in children.Key Facts
- The report uses data from 2022 to 2024 to assess air pollution in U.S. counties.
- California cities like Bakersfield, Fresno, and Los Angeles have some of the worst air pollution in the country.
- Texas metro areas including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Brownsville, and McAllen also face bad ozone pollution.
- The Midwest and Northeast, including Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, experience unhealthy air on many days, often due to heat waves and wildfire smoke.
- Children are more vulnerable to pollution because their lungs are still growing and they breathe more air relative to their size.
- Exposure to ozone and fine particles can cause asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and long-term lung damage in children.
- Nearly half of all U.S. children live in areas with at least one failing air pollution grade.
- Early life exposure to polluted air is linked to slower lung growth and higher risks of health issues like asthma and heart problems.
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