Progress seen, much work remains

 State of the Air 2010 finds that a decade of cleanup measures, including reductions in coal-fired powered plants emissions and the transition to cleaner diesel fuels and engines have paid off in cutting levels of deadly particle and ozone pollution in 2006-2008.  Improvements have been seen particularly in eastern and Midwestern U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, New York City, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD.  

Despite this progress, State of the Air 2010 reveals that more than half the population of the United States suffered pollution levels that were too often dangerous to breathe, in 2006-2008.  The report finds that unhealthy air posed a threat to the lives and health of more than 175 million people—roughly 58 percent of the population.  And, despite progress in many places, the report finds that some cities had air that was more polluted than in the previous report.

The 11th annual State of the Air report offers report card style local air quality rankings, including the 25 dirtiest and cleanest cities. You can get the grade for your community by visiting the report website and typing in your zip code. 

Air pollution and your lungs

State of the Air looks at two of the most widespread  air pollutants—ozone and particle pollution—that can cause a host of alarming symptoms, ranging from shortness of breath  and asthma attacks, to chest pain, heart attacks, and even premature death.  You can learn more about air pollution's effect on your health here.

Revealing picture

• State of the Air presents a wealth of data and paints a revealing picture of the air we breathe:
• Approximately six out of ten Americans lived in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution.
• Although still on the list for worst year-round particle pollution, Atlanta and Macon metropolitan areas report their lowest year-round particle levels
• Certain people are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, including infants and children, older adults, people with lung diseases like asthma, people with heart disease or diabetes, in addition to anyone who works or exercises outdoors.
• Muscogee County improved year-round particle pollution levels in the 2010 report and received a passing grade. The county received an "F" for ozone pollution and "D" in short-term particle pollution.
• Chatham County received a “B” in ozone pollution, a “C” in short-term particle pollution, and a passing grade for annual particle pollution.
• Minorities and lower income groups are disproportionately affected by illnesses caused by air pollution.

What needs to be done

The American Lung Association is calling for Congress to pass the Clean Air Act Amendments of 2010, which will cut emissions from coal-fired power plants that create particle pollution and ozone.  The Lung Association also calls on Congress to also ensure that only clean diesel equipment is used in federally-funded construction projects, and to provide funds for the cleanup of existing diesel engines. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needs to finish measures to clean up power plants and ocean-going vessels, strengthen national standards for outdoor air pollutants—especially ozone and particle pollution—and set tough new standards to require the cleanup of nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons and particle emissions from cars.

What you can do

You can do your part to help improve air quality and protect your family today. 

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