60% of Americans Breath Dangerous Polluted Air, says Report

According to newly-published evidence, sixty per cent of Americans live in areas where air pollution levels are considered dangerous.  Expressed in numeric terms, this represents over 186 million people – 60 million more than reported in previous studies.

The statement formed part of the yearly “State of the Air” report produced by the American Lung Association, which noted a significant downturn in US air quality during 2008.

“Despite almost 40 years since the Clean Air Act [was] passed in 1970, six in 10 Americans still live in dirty air areas, areas where the air is unhealthful [sic] to breathe”, the ALA’s Paul Billings told news agency Reuters.

The worst level of ozone pollution was found in Los Angeles, while consistent particle pollution was at a peak in California’s Bakersfield, and short-lived particle pollution most evident in Pennsylvania’s Pittsburgh. 

Acknowledging that air quality over the past ten years had improved in many of the US’ most populated cities – Baltimore, Washington and New York among them – the report nonetheless highlighted how, in general, the air had become more polluted.

High Particle Pollution

Particulates are tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas, and present in emissions created by industrial fossil fuel combustion.  Particle pollution, therefore, is made up of minute elements such as aerosols, metals and soot.  The concentration of these pollutants in the air is assessed in two ways – either by their annual presence, or by their highest level at any one time.

According to the ALA, there is a clear link between high particle pollution and health, with lung or heart problems, strokes or premature death all possible.  Indeed, the most prevalent air pollution type, ozone, is capable of inducing a rapid loss of good health, sparking conditions like asthma.

US Air Pollution

US residents, the report said, with existing lung conditions, outdoor workers, the young and the old were most susceptible to the effects of US air pollution. 

Last year, the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) introduced new air pollution standards – a revision that was factored into the association’s report.  As far as Paul Billings was concerned, though, even more rigorous procedures needed to be put in place.

“As America faces the challenges of air pollution, global warming and energy, the American Lung Association urges Congress, the EPA and individuals to choose solutions that help solve all three challenges together”, the association stated.