In a recently released report, the American Lung Association found that, in America’s most polluted cities, air quality was at its cleanest since the organization’s annual report began 13 years ago. This year’s report, State of the Air 2012, details the trend that standards set under the Clean Air Act to cleanup major air pollution sources – including coal-fired power plants, diesel engines, and SUVs – are working to drastically cut ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot) from the air we breathe. Despite this progress, unhealthy levels of air pollution still exist and in some parts of the country worsened.
The Lung Association’s annual air quality report grades cities and counties based, in part, on the color-coded Air Quality Index developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to alert the public to daily unhealthy air conditions. The 13th annual report uses the most recent, quality-controlled EPA data collected from 2008 through 2010 from official monitors for ozone and particle pollution, the two most widespread types of air pollution. Counties are graded for ozone, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution levels. The report also uses EPA’s calculations for year-round particle levels.
Meanwhile, State of the Air 2012 finds that nearly four out of 10 people in the U.S. live in counties that received an F for air quality because of unhealthy levels of ozone air pollution, which can cause health problems that day, and even days after. When inhaled, ozone irritates the lungs, like a bad sunburn, and can cause wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks. It can also shorten life.
The report also finds that nearly 50 million Americans live in counties with too many unhealthy spikes in particle pollution levels, and nearly six million people live in areas with unhealthy year-round levels of particle pollution. According to the American Lung Association, particle pollution is the most dangerous and deadly widespread air pollutant in America. This mix of microscopic bits of ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals, and aerosols can lead to early death, heart attacks, strokes and emergency room visits. Only eight counties received a failing grade for year-round particle pollution, further evidence of the continuing improvement even since last year’s report.
To access the complete report, please visit:
American Lung Association: State of the Air 2012
To access individual state reports for the six New England states, please visit:
State of the Air 2012 Report Card: Connecticut
State of the Air 2012 Report Card: Maine
State of the Air 2012 Report Card: Massachusetts
State of the Air 2012 Report Card: New Hampshire
State of the Air 2012 Report Card: Rhode Island
State of the Air 2012 Report Card: Vermont
Background information:
AIRNOW: Air Quality Index (AQI) - A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health
AIRNOW: Air Quality Index (AQI) - A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health (brochure)
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