U.S. Air Quality Deteriorates: Half of Children Exposed to Unhealthy Pollution Levels
Event summary
- 46% of U.S. children (33.5 million) live in areas with failing air quality grades for at least one pollutant.
- 152 million Americans (44%) reside in counties with unhealthy ozone or particle pollution levels.
- EPA's rollback of clean air protections exacerbates exposure risks, particularly for children and communities of color.
- Only one city (Bangor, Maine) met all clean air criteria in 2026, down from five in 2024.
- Data centers emerge as a growing concern for local air pollution due to fossil fuel reliance.
The big picture
The American Lung Association's 2026 report highlights a reversal in U.S. air quality progress, driven by regulatory rollbacks and climate change. The findings underscore systemic disparities, with communities of color facing disproportionate exposure risks. As industrial emissions from data centers grow, the report signals a broader challenge for environmental governance and public health policy.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Reversal
- Whether EPA's weakened enforcement and rolled-back protections will lead to long-term health and environmental consequences.
- Climate Impact
- How extreme heat and wildfires, fueled by climate change, will continue to affect ozone and particle pollution levels.
- Industrial Emissions
- The pace at which data centers and other industrial sources will contribute to local air pollution burdens.
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