A 27th annual air quality report from the American Lung Association shows that 46% of US children under 18 live in areas with a failing grade on at least one pollution measure, and 10% live in communities failing all three metrics (ozone, year-round PM2.5, and short-term PM spikes).

Overall, 33.5 million children are affected by at least one failing metric, with 7 million in areas failing all three, based on three years of quality-assured data from 2022 to 2024.

Across all ages, 44% of Americans live in a county with at least one failing grade, reflecting broad national exposure.

Elevated pollution is linked to extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and climate-driven ozone formation, with Canadian wildfire smoke notably affecting many regions in 2023–2024.

The policy context is mixed, as the administration rolls back environmental protections, while concerns persist about mercury emissions from coal plants as a health risk.

The ALA warns federal rollbacks of clean-vehicle standards and other regulations could undermine progress in California and raise deaths, ER visits, and health costs through 2050.

The Lung Association urges continued investment in zero-emission trucks, cleaner agricultural equipment, and consumer vehicles to cut emissions and protect health.

Data centers, powered by fossil fuels and backed by diesel generators, are identified as a growing local air quality concern with potential to increase emissions as demand rises.

Philanthropic funding for outdoor air quality improvements has stagnated, a concern raised by the Clean Air Fund.

Despite overall severity, Los Angeles posted its lowest annual particle pollution level in the report’s history, though ozone pollution worsened and the region has long ranked worst for ozone.

The report ties climate change, pollution sources, and policy choices to rising health risks for children and potential long-term developmental and respiratory impacts.

Ground-level ozone forms from emissions reacting in heat and sunlight, while PM2.5 comes from vehicle exhaust, industry, and wildfires, driving serious health issues.