Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Apr 23: Nearly half of the US population is living in areas with unhealthy air, with California among the worst-affected regions, according to the 2026 State of the Air report released by the American Lung Association.
The report said around 152 million people — about 44 per cent of Americans — are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, including more than 33 million children.
California emerged as a major concern, with nearly 82 per cent of the state’s residents living in counties where air quality is considered unhealthy.
The Los Angeles-Long Beach region was once again ranked the most ozone-polluted metropolitan area in the United States, receiving that designation for the 26th time in 27 years.
According to the report, the region recorded more than 150 days on average with unhealthy ozone levels and also ranked worst in the country for both short-term and year-round particle pollution.
Ozone pollution, commonly known as smog, forms when emissions from vehicles and other sources react in heat and sunlight and can irritate the lungs and make breathing difficult.
The report also highlighted dangers from particle pollution, particularly PM2.5 — fine particles generated by vehicle emissions, industrial activity and forest fires — which can enter the bloodstream and contribute to asthma, heart disease and lung cancer.
Cities across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino, performed poorly in multiple pollution measures.
While the report noted some improvement in annual particle pollution levels in parts of Los Angeles, it said ozone pollution had worsened compared to last year.
Experts attributed the problem to continued emissions from transport and industry, compounded by weather patterns that trap pollution in the region.
The report also flagged concerns over recent changes in US federal policy, warning that weakened air quality standards could pose long-term public health risks and potentially contribute to thousands of premature deaths.