Latest news with #KatherinePruitt
Axios
12-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
San Antonio air pollution ranks among worst in U.S., report finds
The San Antonio area is among the top 25 metros in the U.S. with the worst ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air report. Why it matters: Air pollution threatens everyone's health — especially children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart disease or other lung conditions. By the numbers: San Antonio, New Braunfels and Kerrville jointly ranked 20th among the nation's most ozone-polluted cities, with nearly 2.8 million residents — including 1.8 million people of color — at elevated risk from unhealthy air. Hispanic people are almost three times more likely than white people to live somewhere with poor air quality, according to the report. The big picture: Nearly half of Americans — about 156 million people — live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air report. Zoom in: Bexar County received an F grade for ozone pollution, with 32 days of high ozone levels (designated orange) during 2021-2023. The area also had two days of elevated short-term particle pollution, earning a B grade for that category. Context: San Antonio's air quality challenges are driven in part by high temperatures that create "ideal conditions for ozone formation," according to the American Lung Association. The latest: In March, the EPA approved Texas' plan to reduce vehicle emissions in Bexar County through a mandatory inspection and maintenance program. The program aims to help the region reach compliance with federal ozone limits by November 2026. It would require annual emissions testing for gas-powered vehicles two to 24 years old, per the San Antonio Report. What they're saying: "Clearly, we need to do more to control the pollutants that are impacting our changing climate and worsening the factors that go into the wildfires and the extreme heat events that are threatening our health, instead of thinking about how to roll them back," says Katherine Pruitt, senior director of nationwide clean air policy at the American Lung Association and report author.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Mass warning as 50,000 people in major State told to stay inside
An urgent public health warning has been issued for tens of thousands of Florida residents with federal officials anticipating dangerous air quality levels descending on the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday. More than 50,000 seniors are being advised to stay indoors at the risk of contracting a serious illness, or worse. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is forecasting air quality in the Tampa metro region to plunge into the 'orange' zone on the Air Quality Index (AQI), a level classified as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' Officials say for the more than 13 percent of Tampa's population aged 65 and over, they should not step outside unless absolutely necessary. Making things more dangerous is that it is not smog that can be seen in the air or like a wildfire that can be smelled on the breeze. Instead it is a chemical soup of ozone and particulate pollution that infiltrates lungs, weakens immune systems, and worsens chronic conditions. For Tampa's most vulnerable, the consequences could be life-threatening. According to the EPA, the orange AQI level (101–150) marks the point at which outdoor air becomes a threat to anyone with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory illnesses. Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even chest pain can appear or intensify - and for some, may require emergency medical intervention. 'The Air Quality Index's health advisory messages for sensitive groups can only be effective if people recognize themselves as part of a sensitive group and take appropriate precautions,' Katherine Pruitt, Senior Director of Nationwide Clean Air Policy at the American Lung Association, told Newsweek. 'Research has shown that is not necessarily the case.' Such a warning looms large in Tampa, where census data show that more 50,000 residents are over the age of 65, and an untold number more suffer from asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung and heart conditions. While the Tampa area is the only region in the US currently forecast to hit such hazardous air levels on Tuesday, the threat reflects a broader, disturbing trend. The American Lung Association's 'State of the Air 2025' report reveals that over 156 million Americans, nearly half the country, now live in areas with failing grades for ozone or particulate pollution. A jump of 25 million in just one year. Tampa may just be the latest warning shot in what health experts say is a climate-driven public health crisis. For asthma sufferers, this could mean increased use of inhalers, emergency room visits, or worse. 'Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't deadly,' one Tampa pulmonologist said on condition of anonymity. 'People over 65 need to treat these warnings as seriously as they would a heatwave or hurricane.' The EPA recommends the following precautions for residents in affected zones: Stay indoors, especially between 10am and 6pm, when ozone levels peak. Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning with clean filters. Avoid strenuous activity outdoors, even if you feel fine. Monitor symptoms: any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, or breathing difficulty should prompt immediate medical attention. Track real-time air quality updates using the AirNow app or website.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning as 50,000 people in major state are warned to stay indoors Tuesday or risk death
An urgent public health warning has been issued for tens of thousands of Florida residents with federal officials anticipating dangerous air quality levels descending on the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday. More than 50,000 seniors are being advised to stay indoors at the risk of contracting a serious illness, or worse. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is forecasting air quality in the Tampa metro region to plunge into the 'orange' zone on the Air Quality Index (AQI), a level classified as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' Officials say for the more than 13 percent of Tampa's population aged 65 and over, they should not step outside unless absolutely necessary. Making things more dangerous is that it is not smog that can be seen in the air or like a wildfire that can be smelled on the breeze. Instead it is a chemical soup of ozone and particulate pollution that infiltrates lungs, weakens immune systems, and worsens chronic conditions. For Tampa's most vulnerable, the consequences could be life-threatening. According to the EPA, the orange AQI level (101–150) marks the point at which outdoor air becomes a threat to anyone with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory illnesses. Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even chest pain can appear or intensify - and for some, may require emergency medical intervention. 'The Air Quality Index's health advisory messages for sensitive groups can only be effective if people recognize themselves as part of a sensitive group and take appropriate precautions,' Katherine Pruitt, Senior Director of Nationwide Clean Air Policy at the American Lung Association, told Newsweek. 'Research has shown that is not necessarily the case.' Such a warning looms large in Tampa, where census data show that more 50,000 residents are over the age of 65, and an untold number more suffer from asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung and heart conditions. While the Tampa area is the only region in the US currently forecast to hit such hazardous air levels on Tuesday, the threat reflects a broader, disturbing trend. The American Lung Association's 'State of the Air 2025' report reveals that over 156 million Americans, nearly half the country, now live in areas with failing grades for ozone or particulate pollution. A jump of 25 million in just one year. Tampa may just be the latest warning shot in what health experts say is a climate-driven public health crisis. Despite the EPA's forecast, no formal air quality alert has been issued yet because orange-level conditions don't automatically trigger emergency warnings. However, medical experts say the absence of an alert doesn't mean the risk isn't real. Under these conditions, the EPA urges that 'children and adults with lung disease and older adults should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.' For asthma sufferers, this could mean increased use of inhalers, emergency room visits, or worse. 'Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't deadly,' one Tampa pulmonologist said on condition of anonymity. 'People over 65 need to treat these warnings as seriously as they would a heatwave or hurricane.' The EPA recommends the following precautions for residents in affected zones: Stay indoors, especially between 10am and 6pm, when ozone levels peak. Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning with clean filters. Avoid strenuous activity outdoors, even if you feel fine. Monitor symptoms: any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, or breathing difficulty should prompt immediate medical attention.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
US Sees 'Alarming' Air Quality Trend in 2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An increasing number of U.S. cities historically known for clean air are now facing dangerous pollution levels in 2025, according to a new report by the American Lung Association (ALA), creating an "alarming" trend. Why It Matters Air quality has a direct impact on public health, and experts warn that 2025's data signals a troubling reversal of long-standing gains. Increased ozone and PM2.5 exposure have been tied to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Those most vulnerable include children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting conditions. What to Know Experts cite extreme heat and intensified wildfires as key drivers of "alarming" air conditions, with sharp increases in both ozone and fine particulate matter recorded across much of the Midwest and Northwest. The ALA's annual State of the Air report found that 156.1 million people—46 percent of the population—now live in counties with failing grades for ozone or particle pollution, nearly 25 million higher than last year. Previously less-affected areas, such as Minneapolis, saw significant spikes in unhealthy air days tied to climate-exacerbated wildfires and particle pollution, such as dust. Wildfire smoke from the Palisades Fire is seen from Santa Monica Pier amid poor air quality in the region on January 10, 2025, in Santa Monica, California. Wildfire smoke from the Palisades Fire is seen from Santa Monica Pier amid poor air quality in the region on January 10, 2025, in Santa Monica, California. Apu Gomes/Getty "Cities in the Upper Midwest such as Minneapolis were hit especially hard with high levels of ozone and spikes in deadly particle pollution," Katherine Pruitt, senior director of Nationwide Clean Air Policy at the ALA, told Newsweek. "Another way to think about what was most alarming this year is the number of places that have a history of relatively clean air that got dramatically worse this year, due in large part to extreme heat and wildfire smoke," she said. The pollutants impacting air quality are heavily influenced by temperature and wildfire activity and can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Numerous air quality alerts caused by both hazards have already been issued across the nation so far this year, including in Arizona, Texas, and North Carolina. As wildfires become more frequent and severe, even regions outside traditional fire zones are affected. Smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted as far as the Midwest and Northeast in 2023, pushing air quality into unhealthy ranges. What People Are Saying Pruitt told Newsweek: "'State of the Air' 2025 finds that the number of red 'unhealthy' and purple 'very unhealthy' days nationwide was the highest [it's] been in our 26 years of reporting." She added: "The most concerning of course are the places where people are breathing the worst air over the most days. Los Angeles, for example, has an average of over 150 days a year of unhealthy levels of ozone smog. This is actually an improvement from the 230 days a year in our first 'State of the Air' report in 2000. Air quality program managers and decisionmakers in CA recognize the seriousness of the problem and have been working hard and long to clean up their air." The ALA's State of Air 2025 report said: "Extreme heat, drought and wildfires are contributing to worsening levels of air pollution across much of the U.S., exposing a growing proportion of the population to ozone and particle pollution that put their health at risk." What Happens Next In February 2024, the EPA finalized a rule lowering the annual health-based standard for fine particulate matter to 9.0 micrograms per cubic meter, citing updated scientific findings linking PM2.5 exposure to premature death and serious cardiovascular impacts. The rule also included enhanced air monitoring and public alert systems to better protect vulnerable populations. However, as of March 2025, the agency is reconsidering the rule, arguing that the tighter standard poses economic and implementation challenges.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Polluted air is a reality for half of Americans, new report finds
Nearly half the country is exposed to unhealthy air that poses serious health risks, according to a new report from the American Lung Association, which warns that climate change is threatening decades of remarkable progress in cleaning up the air. The report titled 'State of the Air' released on Wednesday found that about 156 million people – the worst it has been in a decade – now live in counties plagued by high levels of ozone and fine particulate matter, pollutants that can cause serious illnesses, including asthma attacks and strokes. The 2025 study, based on EPA data through 2023 (the most recent full year available), showed an increase of 25 million people living in areas with failing air quality grades compared with the previous study. The report independently confirms USA TODAY's analysis in January, which found that a growing number of Americans are now living in places with unhealthy air, a reversal of the decades-long trend of improvement in air quality driven by the Clean Air Act and advances in cleaner technology. More: Tens of millions more Americans are breathing polluted air. What places have it the worst? 'The number of people living in places with unhealthy air just seems to keep getting bigger,' said Katherine Pruitt, the lead author and national senior director for policy at the American Lung Association. The report, published annually by the American Lung Association, links worsening levels of pollution to climate change. 'There's definitely a worsening trend that's largely driven by climate change. Every year seems to be a little bit hotter globally resulting in more extreme weather events, more droughts, more extreme heat and more wildfires,' Pruitt said. Extreme heat contributes to fire weather but also contributes to ozone formation – another major pollutant in the air, she added. USA TODAY previously reported that wildfire smoke has become the largest contributor of particulate matter in the air. As of 2017, wildfire smoke had overtaken fuel combustion from electricity generation and industry as the leading source of dangerous small particles that make people sick. At the start of this century, over 200 million people lived in a county that had at least one week of bad air, according to the USA TODAY analysis. The number steadily dropped for over a decade as Clean Air Act protections kicked in. Then, the trend stalled. 'In many places we started to see ozone and particle pollution trends reverse, start to get worse again,' Pruitt said. More: Track latest wildfires, red flag warnings across the US In recent years, air quality problems have been concentrated in western states. But with Canadian wildfires blowing smoke in 2023, some of that shifted to the east, the report and the USA TODAY analysis found. While data for 2024 is not yet available, Pruitt said the numbers could be worse by the next report. Last year, droughts affected at least 49 states while fires raged from coast to coast. The health burden of air pollution unevenly falls on people of color, the study said, noting Hispanics are nearly three times as likely as white people to live in areas with unhealthy air. Experts caution that actions underway during President Donald Trump's second administration could further affect the situation. The Environmental Protection Agency announced 31 actions on March 12, with its administrator, Lee Zeldin, declaring it 'the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen.' The actions included revisiting former President Joe Biden's national air quality standards for particulate pollution and reconsideration of rules around greenhouse gas emissions reporting and standards on emissions from power plants, which emit large quantities of gases that cause climate change. 'You will not find a single pro-clean air, pro-public health item listed on his agenda of priorities,' said John Walke, a senior advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council and a former attorney in the EPA's Office of General Counsel. 'They are all rollbacks." Since President Richard Nixon signed the Clean Air Act in 1970, the landmark legislation has had overwhelming bipartisan support. In 1990, it was revised and strengthened under President George H.W. Bush. Pruitt said at the moment, the regulations are still in place and they are still protecting people. 'Each one of those regulations was put in place based on science and the law. They help keep kids out of the hospital, keep our air cleaner,' said Pruitt. "Rolling back any of them will have consequences for all of us,' she added. Read more: Tens of millions more Americans are breathing polluted air. What places have it the worst? This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why half of the country is breathing polluted air
