The American Lung Association's latest report reveals that 33.5 million US children, or 46 percent under age 18, live in areas failing at least one air pollution measure. An additional 7 million children reside in communities failing all three key metrics. The findings, based on 2022-2024 data, highlight worsening conditions amid environmental rollbacks.
The American Lung Association released its 27th annual air quality report on Wednesday, evaluating ground-level ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle spikes nationwide. It determined that 33.5 million children—46 percent of those under 18—breathe air failing at least one measure, while 7 million, or 10 percent, live in areas failing all three. Will Barrett, the ALA's assistant vice president for Nationwide Clean Air Policy, emphasized children's vulnerability: “Children’s lungs are still developing. For their body size, they’re breathing more air... air pollution exposure in children can contribute to long-term developmental harm to their lungs, new cases of asthma, increased risks of respiratory illness and other health considerations later in life.” Speaking to the Guardian, he added that communities of color face disproportionate exposure, comprising 54.2 percent of residents in failing counties despite making up 42.1 percent of the population. People of color are 2.42 times more likely than white people to live in the worst-polluted areas, often alongside higher rates of asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Ozone pollution affects 129.1 million people, or 38 percent of the population—the highest in six years and up 3.9 million from prior data. Southwestern states from California to Texas and much of the Midwest suffer most, driven by Canada's 2023 wildfires, extreme heat, drought, and climate change effects like higher temperatures that boost ozone formation. The report flags data centers as emerging polluters, consuming 4.4 percent of US electricity now and potentially 12 percent soon, relying on fossil fuel grids and diesel generators. Barrett urged a shift to clean renewables. He criticized EPA actions under the Trump administration, including at least 70 rollbacks like delaying particle standards, repealing vehicle and climate rules, and loosening power plant limits on mercury: “There’s a devaluing of children’s health by this EPA as they are weakening, delaying, and repealing critical health protection.”