Bullet Point Breakdown Of The Air Report
1. Almost Half the U.S. Breathes Unhealthy Air
46% of Americans (156 million people) live in areas with failing air quality.
42.5 million people are exposed to all three major pollutants: ozone, short-term particles, and year-round particles.
2. Particle Pollution Is Getting Worse
Record high days of “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy” air.
Midwestern and Northeastern states are seeing worsening trends.
3. Ozone Pollution Is Rising Again
Over 125 million people now live in areas with unhealthy ozone levels—up nearly 25 million from last year.
4. Wildfires and Extreme Heat Are Major Contributors
2023’s wildfire smoke and heat waves worsened air quality, especially in the Central U.S.
5. Only Two Cities Made the “Cleanest Air” List
Bangor, Maine and San Juan, Puerto Rico passed all pollution measures.
Fewer places met clean air standards than in past years.
6. Communities of Color Face Greater Exposure
People of color are over twice as likely to live in areas with failing air quality.
Hispanic individuals are nearly three times more likely than white individuals to live in high-risk areas.
7. Limited Monitoring Leaves Gaps
Only 922 of 3,221 counties have official air monitors.
72.8 million people live in areas with no air quality data.
8. EPA Programs Are Critical and at Risk
EPA provides vital air quality data, enforces pollution rules, and supports cleanup efforts.
Cuts to EPA staff and programs could worsen air pollution and reduce public awareness.
Support is needed to protect the EPA’s mission and funding.
🌐 Your Digital Presence Has an Emission Footprint Too 1000s of Metric Tonnes Worth In Server Emission
You may not be able to control wildfire smoke, but your website and digital tools also leave a carbon footprint.