More than a THIRD of Americans live in places with dangerously high levels of air pollution

More than 120 million Americans — a third of the country — live in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution, a new report suggests.

Between 2019 and 2021, cities on the West Coast, especially California, were among the worst areas for ozone pollution and air pollutant particulate matter.

Particulate pollution refers to minor pollutants from sources such as factories, power plants, vehicles, and wildfires, while ozone smog comes from vehicles, factories, or other industrial sources.

The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report also found that there were about 103 million people living in the 124 counties earning an F rating for ozone smog.

Air pollution has been linked to the development of COPD and lung cancer. It is especially dangerous for young children whose lungs are still developing and who may suffer from chronic asthma.

The 120 million people living in polluted areas are actually 19 million fewer than in previous years, but the report said it was “critical” to redouble efforts to ensure all Americans would have clean air to breathe.

Particles emitted from vehicles and factories can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation and reduce lung function.

The damage they cause can also increase your risk of infection or lung cancer. People with asthma are particularly at risk from air pollution, which can trigger a potentially deadly allergic reaction.

For the reportPublished the 24th by the ALA, researchers looked at fine particulate matter and ozone pollutants from about one-third of U.S. counties.

They analyzed air quality data from nearly 1,000 counties in the United States, covering more than two-thirds of the population.

Fine particles, or soot, are tiny particles in the air that are released from wildfires, wood-burning stoves, coal-fired power plants, diesel engines, and other sources.

They can be visible to the human eye.

On the other hand, ozone pollutants are also emitted from cars, power plants, refineries, and power plants, but have reacted with sunlight, creating a “smog.”

Inhaling it is tantamount to burning your lungs, doctors say.

Areas received one of six grades for their air quality from good to very unhealthy and hazardous based on recordings up to the previous year.

The data was then combined to rank counties from A to F based on the number of days of poor air quality they had experienced.

The report also found that nearly 63 million people live in counties where air pollution is getting worse and are at greater risk of daily spikes in air pollution.

The results showed that Bakersfield, California, 100 miles north of Los Angeles, had the highest levels of ozone pollution in the US.

It is followed by Fresno, California, 100 miles north of Bakersfield, and Fairbanks, Arkansas, in the state’s central region.

Ozone pollution is caused by a chemical reaction between factories and plants and the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

These reactions create toxic gas that can cause damage to the lungs after prolonged exposure and can be especially dangerous for people who suffer from asthma or COPD.

Bakersfield and Fresno are also among the leaders in particulate pollution levels.

Visalia, right between the two in central California, had the worst particulate pollution.

Central California is known for its wildfires, which will burn all summer long, engulfing cities in smoke and disrupting parts of everyday life.

These fires are responsible for large amounts of particulate pollution and likely contribute to why these cities are at the top of the list.

This pollution consists of tiny microscopic particles in the air that can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

In the short term it can cause itching, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath.

Over time, these chemicals can settle in the lungs and bloodstream, interfering with bodily functions.

Further, they can damage the DNA of the lungs and other vital organs and increase a person’s risk of cancer.

Harold Wimmer, the CEO of the ALA, said: ‘The good news is that overall ozone pollution has improved across the country, largely due to the success of the Clean Air Act.

“In this year’s State of the Air report, we found that 19.3 million fewer people were living in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone pollution, otherwise known as smog.

However, the fact is that 120 million people still live in places with unhealthy air pollution and not all communities are seeing improvements.

“That’s why it’s critical to continue our efforts to make sure everyone in the U.S. has clean air to breathe.”

Experts said air quality was improving thanks to the “Clean Air Act,” which set air pollution targets in all states that lawmakers were working on.