On Earth Day, a stark new report revealed that approximately 33.5 million children across the United States are inhaling air that fails to meet federal health standards. Released by the American Lung Association as part of its 27th annual State of the Air report, the findings underscore a troubling reality: nearly half of all American children—46 percent—reside in counties that received failing grades for at least one critical measure of air pollution.
Even more alarming, about 7 million children live in counties that failed in all three key categories monitored: smog (ground-level ozone), soot (fine particulate matter), and particle pollution. These pollutants are responsible for a litany of health issues, including reduced lung growth, new asthma diagnoses, cognitive impairments, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births, and even lung cancer later in life.
The report highlights a disturbing trend: Progress in improving air quality has stalled, and in some cases, is reversing. The American Lung Association directly attributes this to climate change—driven in part by policy rollbacks—intensifying wildfires and extreme heat, which in turn worsen ozone and particulate pollution levels.
Adding to this crisis, the federal government’s recent actions have further compromised efforts to combat air pollution. In February, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration repealed the 2009 endangerment finding, a pivotal scientific assessment that determined greenhouse gases pose a threat to human health. This move effectively removed a key regulatory underpinning for efforts to curb emissions that contribute to smog and soot.
Moreover, the EPA has moved to eliminate the soot pollution rule, and delays in methane regulation—postponed by ten months—are estimated to add pollution equivalent to 25 million cars on the road. Such rollbacks not only hinder progress but actively threaten to undo years of advancements in air quality standards.
The American Lung Association didn’t mince words in its assessment. “Now is the time to strengthen air pollution standards, but EPA is doing the opposite,” the organization stated clearly. “This is not an accident. It is the compounded result of where polluters are allowed to operate and who gets protected when the rules change.”
As children continue to breathe air laden with harmful pollutants, critics argue that the federal rollback policies prioritize corporate interests over public health—especially for vulnerable populations like children and low-income communities. Many health experts warn that without stricter standards and enforcement, the health disparities and long-term consequences for America’s youth will only worsen.
With Earth Day serving as a stark reminder of the planet’s fragility, these new findings are a call to action. The future of millions of children’s health depends on reversing course—restoring science-based policies and prioritizing clean air for all.
Where to Learn More
- American Lung Association’s 2023 State of the Air Report – American Lung Association
- EPA Repeals 2009 Greenhouse Gases Endangerment Finding – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Nearly 34 Million Children Breathe Toxic Air as EPA Rollbacks Continue – NPR
- Analysis of Current EPA Policy Changes and Public Health Impact – The Washington Post
