The recently published 2025 State-of-the Air report from the American Lung Association (ALA) reveals a concerning fact – over 156 million people in the US are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollutants. This report, which has been a crucial tool for understanding air quality in communities for the past 25 years, focuses on two main pollutants: deadly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone. The primary culprit behind these pollutants is internal combustion vehicles, as PM2.5 is directly emitted from the tailpipes of gasoline and diesel vehicles, while ozone and additional PM2.5 are formed indirectly in the atmosphere from other toxic pollutants also emitted from vehicles.
The report underscores the consequences of using fossil fuels on our health and the environment. Despite the progress made in cleaning up our air since the inception of the Clean Air Act in 1970, the latest report shows a concerning trend – there are now 25 million more people living in areas with dangerous air quality compared to the previous year. This increase can be attributed to stricter PM2.5 standards and the exacerbation of pollution due to global warming-induced extreme heat and wildfires.
Transportation plays a significant role in contributing to air pollution, with the sector being the largest emitter of global warming emissions in the country. The rise in the number of vehicles on the road has led to a substantial increase in emissions, particularly from pick-up trucks, SUVs, and cars. PM2.5 and ground-level ozone, both produced from precursors originating in internal combustion engines, pose serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The report highlights the inequitable distribution of air pollution burden, with people of color and disadvantaged communities bearing a disproportionate share of exposure to harmful pollutants. The health impacts of air pollution are extensive, ranging from pulmonary and heart diseases to pre-term births and childhood obesity.
To address the escalating air pollution crisis, the report calls for urgent action to reduce emissions from transportation, promote vehicle electrification, and defend the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA’s critical role in setting and enforcing standards for vehicles and monitoring air quality is essential for safeguarding public health. However, recent threats to the EPA’s funding and staff pose a significant risk to the progress made in improving air quality and protecting public health.
In conclusion, the State-of-the Air report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address air pollution from transportation and other sources to mitigate the adverse health effects and protect the environment. Upholding the EPA’s vital work and implementing effective strategies to reduce emissions are essential steps towards ensuring clean and healthy air for all.
