More than 1 in 3 people live in counties with unhealthy air, according to the Lung Association's 2023 "State of the Air" report. Under the Clean Air Act, there are national limits in place on many outdoor air pollutants, including particle pollution and ozone, called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). But the latest science shows that the current limits are too weak—leaving the health of millions at risk.
Right now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering strengthening the national standards for particle pollution (also called soot). If they follow current science and strengthen the standards, the whole country could see immense health benefits.
Unfortunately, EPA is delaying its actions on ozone (also called smog) even though the health science shows that much stronger ozone limits would prevent asthma attacks and save lives.
We need your help. Join us in calling on EPA to set strong final soot standards and to speed up their work to set stronger ozone standards.
Health Professionals: Call for Stronger Soot Standards
Health professionals see firsthand the health impacts of air pollution. Through partnership with the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, we asked health professionals to share their stories and to call on EPA to strengthen particulate matter standards.
Additional Information
- Learn more about the health impacts of air pollution and find out the quality of the air you’re breathing, in our "State of the Air" report.
- Learn about our 2023 poll showing that an overwhelming majority of American voters support stronger particle pollution standards.
- Learn more about the Clean Air Act from our factsheet.
- Learn more about the National Ambient Air Quality Standards from our factsheet.
Page last updated: August 30, 2023
