State of the Air

For 26 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.

 

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 half of the U.S. population lives 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 Jeanne Westgard

Jeanne Westgard

As a child, I was always susceptible to lung irritation caused by pollens, dust, mold, and second-hand smoking. READ MORE

quotation marks Sandra Pfeuffer

Sandra Pfeuffer

A company based in Ireland intends to establish a sizable production facility in our vicinity, drawn by the absence of regulatory constraints. READ MORE

quotation marks Vanessa Nowitzky

Vanessa Nowitzky

During a visit to New York City, I was on a subway that got delayed underground. They asked everyone to exit temporarily, but with no clear place to go, we were stuck. READ MORE

Download PDF

Get the print version of the 2025 "State of the Air" report.

 

About This Report

"State of the Air" has a 26-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.