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).
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently considering strengthening the national standards for particle pollution (also called soot). The American Lung Association has published a brief detailing the need for stronger National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter. The brief examines why the current limits are too weak and explains the health risks of not adjusting them.
For full information and to view the brief, click here.
