Over the past several decades we have become more aware about how unhealthy air pollution is for us. And the U.S. government and large corporations have made strides in how to lower pollution levels. But there’s still much work to do.

1. 4 Out of 10 Americans Breathe Unhealthy Air Daily

According to the “State of the Air” 2021 report from the American Lung Association, four out of ten Americans live in counties with unhealthy levels of air pollution. That’s roughly 135 million people living in areas that have extremely high levels of either ozone or particle pollution. Nearly 20 million of Americans live in counties that have high levels of both.

When you breathe in ozone it irritates and inflames your lungs. It’s comparable to having a bad sunburn in your lungs. Breathing in particle pollution can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

2. Children are More at Risk

Several studies have shown children are at a greater risk from air pollution than adults. Their lungs are still growing. In fact, 80 percent of their tiny air sacs develop after they are born. Those sacs are where oxygen is transferred into the blood.

Since their lungs and immune system are still developing, they are often at a greater risk for respiratory infections. Air pollution is known to be a significant cause of asthma attacks and respiratory illnesses. And unfortunately, because children play outside and are more active than adults, they end up inhaling more polluted air. If a child lives and grows up in a more polluted area – it can also restrict their lung growth.

3. Fossil Fuel Air Pollution Kills

Fossil fuels, like coal, crude oil and natural gas, are formed from the fossilized and buried remains of plants and animals that lived many years ago. They are used to generate most of the energy required for our cars to run and the lights and power needed to run businesses and keep the electricity on at our homes.

Fossil fuels have contributed greatly to air pollution. And recent research has found the pollution from these types of fuels is responsible for nearly one in every five deaths worldwide. Fossil fuel pollution is actually responsible for more deaths each year than HIV, tuberculosis and malaria combined!

4. Living Near Major Roads is Bad for Your Health

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says 45 million Americans live, work or go to school within 300 feet of a major road. While that does offer a great convenience, it can impact your health in a profoundly negative way.

Your regular proximity to a major roadway can lead to an increase in health problems associated with air pollution. That’s because there are higher concentrations of things that pollute the air coming from vehicles. Being close to a heavily traveled road can lead to higher rates of asthma attacks, cardiovascular disease, childhood leukemia, and impaired lung development in kids.

5. Air Pollution Causes Many Diseases

We think being outside in the ‘fresh’ air is good for us, but over time exposure to polluted air can lead to the development of several diseases. Respiratory infections, asthma, COPD, cataracts, high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, and lung cancer can all be triggered by continual exposure to air pollution.

6. Indoor Air is More Polluted Than Outdoor Air

It may seem hard to believe, but the air inside our homes, schools and businesses can actually be worse than the air outside. The EPA says it can be up to five times worse – and the governmental agency ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risk factors to our health.

Inside our home, dust, pet dander, mold spores, how we heat our homes, how we cook, cleaning products and even the materials our homes are built with can all contribute to the pollution. We spend a lot of time inside, too – up to 90 percent. The bad air inside can have an immediate impact – causing you to sneeze or cough. Long-term it can cause respiratory issues and other chronic health problems.

What Can We Do?

Outdoor air pollution is something we have to tackle as a community and a country. Finding cleaner forms of energy and figuring out how to implement them is a great start. Inside your home, investing in an air purifier will help. Air purifiers are designed to pull contaminants out of the air, forcing clean air back out. Buying an air purifier and putting it in a common area of your home will go along way toward protecting your family’s health from air pollution.

Individual Actions

While large-scale solutions require government and industry intervention, small changes in our daily lives can also make a difference:

• Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Using public transportation, biking, walking, or driving fuel-efficient or electric vehicles can help lower emissions. Conserving electricity by turning off unused appliances and switching to renewable energy sources when possible also reduces demand for fossil fuels.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Since indoor air pollution can be worse than outdoor air, investing in an air purifier for your home is crucial. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove pollutants like dust, mold spores, and pet dander. Additionally, using natural cleaning products, avoiding tobacco smoke indoors, and ensuring proper ventilation can all contribute to cleaner indoor air.
• Be Mindful of Household Emissions: Reducing the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, choosing low-emission appliances, and avoiding wood-burning stoves or fireplaces can all help decrease air pollution levels.

Community and Policy-Level Solutions

While individual efforts matter, systemic change is necessary to make a lasting impact on air quality. Governments, businesses, and communities all play key roles in addressing pollution at a broader level:

• Stronger Regulations on Emissions: Governments can implement stricter air quality standards, regulate industrial emissions, and invest in cleaner energy alternatives to reduce pollution from power plants and factories.
• Investment in Renewable Energy: Expanding access to solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources can decrease dependence on fossil fuels and lower overall pollution levels.
• Urban Planning for Cleaner Air: Cities can reduce air pollution by investing in green spaces, expanding public transportation, and designing infrastructure that minimizes exposure to vehicle emissions.
• Public Awareness and Education: Increased awareness about air pollution’s health risks can drive public demand for cleaner policies and encourage more people to adopt sustainable habits.
• Community-Led Initiatives: Local organizations can advocate for air quality improvements, organize tree-planting projects, and support policies that promote clean air solutions.

By combining personal responsibility with systemic change, we can take meaningful steps toward reducing air pollution and protecting public health.