Report: 131 Million Americans Breathe Unhealthy Air, Climate Crisis Intensifies Pollution
May 11, 2024![Report: 131 Million Americans Breathe Unhealthy Air, Climate Crisis Intensifies Pollution](https://cdn.brief.news/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=768/images/stories/50c99287907132b3d1283b6268fb9a96a0215c34d468985a7916fd91c56b6ba9a0aae22998fa65456da54da48024db5e500f3a67d3aa336bb1722f16e9a6749b.jpg)
The American Lung Association's 'State of the Air' report notes over 131 million Americans live in cities with unhealthy air quality.
Climate change is cited as a key factor exacerbating air pollution, leading to the worst levels of deadly particle pollution in 25 years.
The report evaluates short-term and year-round particle pollution, as well as ground-level ozone.
In the Mountain West, Las Vegas and Reno are highlighted for high pollution across all measured categories, with wildfires contributing significantly.
Contrastingly, certain Mountain West cities like Casper and Colorado Springs are recognized for having the cleanest air in the year-round particle category.
Public health concerns are heightened in areas like Las Vegas and Reno due to pollution from wildfires.
Summary based on 3 sources
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![Mountain West cities are heavily polluted by smog, particles from wildfire smoke, report finds](https://cdn.brief.news/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=160/images/links/68b84febfd602a33fb0b78e74f0d9993d76de8d3dee6661f234cc12b480fd302c545a6101c69cdc6a631ec09cb98eec99ec73596867f1f59ad342437088cfbc5.jpg)
Boise State Public Radio • May 10, 2024
Mountain West cities are heavily polluted by smog, particles from wildfire smoke, report finds