A new report reveals that almost half of Americans are exposed to unhealthy air pollution levels, the highest recorded in a decade, affecting over 156 million people. This rise is attributed to the worsening climate crisis and the rollback of environmental protections. Soot and smog are both linked to severe health risks, including respiratory and cognitive issues. Communities of color, especially Latino Americans, are disproportionately affected, raising concerns over environmental justice. The analysis includes data highlighting the alarming impact of extreme weather events, including recent wildfire smoke, on air quality.
Almost half of Americans breathe in dangerous levels of air pollutants, a significant increase linked to the climate crisis and environmental rollbacks.
Just over 156 million people live in neighborhoods with unhealthy levels of soot or smog, the highest number in a decade according to the ALA.
A person of color is more than twice as likely as a white American to live in neighborhoods with unhealthy levels of smog and soot.
The report highlights that Latino Americans are the most affected, three times more likely to breathe in toxic air pollutants.
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