American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report reveals 156 million Americans—46% of the population—now breathe unhealthy air, a troubling increase of nearly 25 million people compared to last year’s findings. The 26th annual assessment, released April 23, 2025, shows exposure to dangerous air pollution has reached its highest level in a decade, with climate change effects like extreme heat and wildfires significantly worsening air quality nationwide. The report analyzes EPA monitoring data from 2021-2023 for ground-level ozone (smog) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 or soot), finding 42.5 million people live in areas receiving failing grades for all three … Continue reading 46 % of Americans—156 M—Now Breathe Hazardous Smog and Soot: State of the Air Report Exposes Decade-High Pollution