State of the Air

For 25 years, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from official air quality monitors to compile the State of the Air report. The more you learn about the air you breathe, the more you can protect your health and take steps to make the air cleaner and healthier.

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What's the State of Your Air?

Report Cards

Find grades and rankings for cleanest and most polluted places to live.

Cleanest Cities

See the cleanest cities and learn more about how your city ranks.

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Most Polluted Cities

See the 25 most polluted cities and counties for ozone and particle pollution ranked.

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States and Counties

Get the report card for your state's air quality, and the number of people in groups at risk.

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Compare Your Air

Find out how your city measures up when it comes to air pollution.

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Key Findings

Nearly 4 in 10 people live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution.

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Health Impact of Air Pollution

Ozone and particle pollution are the most widespread pollutants—and among the most dangerous. Learn more about how they affect the body, and which groups of people are most at risk.

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Recommendations for Action

Find actions you can take to keep your family safe from unhealthy air, reduce pollution and support clean-up efforts.

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Shared Stories

We all have a reason to champion clean air. People just like you have shared some personal stories that highlight the need for healthy, safe air. Read the stories they have shared or share your own.

quotation marks Alia Vinson

Alia Vinson

Alia Vinson resides in an area with periodically severe air pollution. Yet there are many aspects of Houston she loves, such as its tremendous cultural and educational resources. READ MORE

quotation marks Kelli Barber Avanzino

Kelli Barber Avanzino

As a nurse with a background in environmental health, I know that air pollution is detrimental to everyone – the young, healthy hiker who wants to climb a mountain, the child with asthma, and the elderly person with heart disease. The health of each of us and the health of our planet are in... READ MORE

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Travis Kluska

I commute 22 miles to and from work every day on my bicycle along Lake Shore Drive. Not only is it great exercise, but I know it’s good for the environment too. However, lately I’ve become increasingly more worried about the air pollution I encounter along my route. I can often taste ... READ MORE

Download PDF

Get the print version of the 2024 State of the Air report.

 

About This Report

"State of the Air" has a 25-year history and a time-tested methodology. Learn more about this annual national air quality "report card."

 

For The Media

Journalists can access press releases, experts available for interviews, b-roll, the full "State of the Air" report and more.