Air quality impacts everyone—from outdoor enthusiasts to urban dwellers and families across the country. Yet understanding the full scope of air pollution, its sources, and its consequences requires more than anecdotal evidence. That’s where the State of the Air 2025 Report steps in.
Compiled by experts relying on data from 2021–2023, this report provides a comprehensive look at air pollution trends and their effects. Whether you’re passionate about improving your local environment or simply seeking to protect your health, this report offers crucial insights.
Below, we’ll break down the key takeaways, identify vulnerable populations, and explore solutions for a cleaner, healthier future.
What Is the State of the Air Report?
The State of the Air Report is an annual publication produced by the American Lung Association backed by decades of credible research that tracks how air quality has changed in America. Now in its 26th edition, the report leverages data from official air monitoring stations across the United States to analyze ozone and fine particle pollution.
The data is used to assign grades to represent the air quality level in each county and highlight how changing climate patterns, industrial emissions, and wildfires are reshaping air quality across the country. The State of the Air Report is used to inform communities, guide policymakers, and drive actions for cleaner air.
Key Findings from the 2025 Report
1. Air Quality Trends
Unfortunately, the 2025 report reveals worsening conditions. Over 156 million Americans (46% of the population) now live in counties with failing air-quality grades. That’s a staggering 25 million more people than last year.
The stark rise in unhealthy levels of ozone pollution and particle pollution highlights the need for urgent change.
2. The Impact of Wildfires
Wildfires are one of the main culprits behind the decline in air quality. Wildfire smoke carries tiny pollutant particles that contribute to both ozone and particle pollution. The report found that eastern states, which are typically less impacted, experienced some of the highest pollution levels on record in 2023 due to unprecedented smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
The chart below illustrates how midwestern and eastern states fared much worse than western states due to the 2023 wildfire season.
From 2021-2023:
- 137 counties lost their “A” grade for ozone air quality.
- 77.2 million people live in counties with an “F” grade for harmful short-term particle spikes which are often fueled by wildfires.
- To illustrate how much wildfires can impact air quality, counties like Santa Barbara and Marin Counties in California went from an “F” grade to an “A” grade for short-term particle pollution because they had relatively “good fire years” recently compared to the disastrous 2020 California wildfire season.
3. The Most Polluted and Cleanest Cities
Some cities consistently face significant air-quality challenges. Here are the most polluted urban areas:
- For ozone pollution (smog): Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA; Phoenix-Mesa, AZ.
- For year-round particle pollution (PM2.5): Bakersfield-Delano, CA; Visalia, CA.
- For short-term particle pollution (spikes): Bakersfield, CA; Fairbanks, AK.
On the flip side, only two cities earned “A” ratings for ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution, earning them spots among the cleanest cities in the U.S.:
- Bangor, Maine
- San Juan-Bayamón, Puerto Rico
4. Health Impacts of Pollution
Air pollution is directly tied to serious health risks. Fine particles (PM2.5) and ozone cause:
- Respiratory illnesses: Asthma, COPD, and lung cancer are aggravated by exposure.
- Cardiovascular disease: Long-term exposure can increase the chances of heart attacks and strokes.
- Premature death: High pollution days correspond to rises in respiratory- and cardiovascular-related fatalities.
The data highlights the danger to vulnerable populations:
- 2.5 million children with asthma and 11.8 million adults with asthma live in counties graded “F.”
- Communities of color disproportionately face exposure to unhealthy air while also battling higher rates of chronic illness.
5. Disparities and Vulnerable Populations
Economic and racial disparities present a troubling reality:
- 19 million individuals living in poverty reside in heavily polluted areas.
- 34.6 million children and 25.2 million seniors (65+) are at greater risk of health complications from pollution exposure in the counties they live in.
6. The Role of Weather Patterns
Extreme heat and drought in recent years has further compound air-quality concerns:
- High temperatures and sunny weather intensify ozone formation, worsening conditions.
- Regions like Texas faced deadly heatwaves alongside growing air-pollution levels.
7. Recommendations for the Future
The report emphasizes urgent actions to combat pollution:
- Reduce vehicle emissions: Transition to electric or hybrid vehicles.
- Promote smart city initiatives: Incorporate green spaces, cool roofs, and solar panels in urban designs.
- Strengthen regulations: Push for stricter enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
- Prepare for emergencies: Equip communities to respond to wildfires and pollution spikes.
For individuals, checking daily air-quality updates on AirNow.gov or spreading awareness through personal stories can make a big impact.
Keep Your Indoor Air Clean with a PuroAir Purifier
While outdoor air pollution is a major concern, the average person spends more than 90% of their time indoors, where pollutants can accumulate. From smoke and pollen to pet dander, indoor air quality directly affects health and productivity.
The PuroAir Air Purifier is a powerful solution to maintaining clean air at home or in the office. Its advanced HEPA filters filter fine particles, allergens 1, and harmful pollutants, ensuring your indoor space remains a safe haven even when outdoor air is compromised. By investing in clean indoor air, you’re taking an important step toward protecting your health.*
What This Means for You
The findings of the 2025 State of the Air Report are a wake-up call. With air quality deteriorating, it’s clear that communities, policymakers, and individuals must prioritize solutions that reduce pollution and mitigate the health risks it poses.
Whether you’re advocating for cleaner urban spaces, equipping your home with tools like an air purifier, or educating yourself on air trends, your actions matter. Together, we can strive for a future where clean air isn’t a luxury but a given for everyone.
For more information and to download the full report, head to the American Lung Association’s State of the Air page.