April 25, 2018
The American Lung Association’s 2018 “State of the Air” report released April 17, 2018 finds ozone pollution worsened significantly due to warmer temperatures, while particle pollution generally continued to improve in 2014-2016.
Each year, “State of the Air” reports on the two most widespread outdoor air pollutants, ozone pollution and particle pollution. The report analyzes particle pollution in two ways: through average annual particle pollution levels and short-term spikes in particle pollution.
The 19th annual national air quality “report card” found that 133.9 million Americans—more than four in 10 (41.4 percent)—lived in counties with unhealthful levels of either ozone or particle pollution in 2014-2016, placing them at risk for premature death and other serious health effects such as lung cancer, asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage, and developmental and reproductive harm.
“Near record-setting heat from our changing climate has resulted in dangerous levels of ozone in many cities across the country, making ozone an urgent health threat for millions of Americans,” said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer.
Compared to the previous year, the 2018 report finds that far more people suffered from unhealthy ozone pollution, with approximately 128.9 million people living in 185 counties that earned an F grade for ozone. Of the 10 most polluted cities, seven cities did worse, including Los Angeles and the New York City metro area.
- Click here for the Association’s report of most polluted cities by ozone, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution.
- Click here for the Association’s air grade report for your state or zip code.
- Click here for the Association’s list of six threats to the nation’s air quality
What this means to you
The American Lung Association’s 19th annual national air quality “report card” found that 133.9 million Americans—more than four in 10 (41.4 percent)—lived in counties with unhealthful levels of either ozone or particle pollution in 2014-2016.
MIRATECH can help
Contact MIRATECH for help achieving NOx, CO and VOC and particulate matter compliance for your stationary engines.