Air pollution remains one of the most critical environmental problems in the United States affecting the health of millions of Americans every single day. According to the American Lung Association over 137 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution that exceed federal safety standards. Vehicle emissions from over 280 million registered vehicles are the single largest source of air pollution accounting for approximately 29 percent of total emissions. Power plants burning coal and natural gas contribute another 25 percent while industrial factories add 21 percent more pollutants into the atmosphere.
The health impacts of air pollution in America are devastating and far reaching across every demographic group. Approximately 100000 to 200000 Americans die prematurely each year from diseases caused by or worsened by air pollution exposure. Asthma affects over 25 million Americans and air pollution triggers severe attacks that send millions to emergency rooms annually costing billions in healthcare. Children elderly citizens and people living in low income communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution and its devastating health consequences.
Cities like Los Angeles Houston Phoenix and Detroit consistently rank among the most polluted cities in the nation. The geographic features of some areas like California’s Central Valley trap pollutants creating persistent smog that affects millions of residents. Despite improvements since the Clean Air Act was passed in 1970 air pollution remains a leading environmental health threat in America.