American Lung Association

World Lung Cancer Day emphasizes the importance of early screening as lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer in the U.S., with nearly 125,000 expected deaths this year. A survey by the American Lung Association reveals only one-third of people know about low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, such as smokers or former smokers with a 20 pack-year history. Experts highlight stigma around smoking and underutilization of screening as barriers to early detection.

The EPA proposes to redesignate Detroit's air quality as meeting national ozone standards, but residents and environmental advocates argue that pollution levels remain dangerously high, particularly in Southwest Detroit, citing health issues like asthma and cancer. A recent study by the American Lung Association graded Detroit's air an 'F' due to ozone and pollution levels.

Many of Massachusetts' 26 Gateway Cities, which are disproportionately affected by air pollution, lack state-operated air quality monitors. Seventeen of these cities have no monitors, and 11 have neither state-run stations nor locally funded PurpleAir sensors, despite health risks like asthma linked to PM2.5 pollution. The state operates 26 monitoring stations, with 10 in Gateway Cities, and allocates grants for community-based sensors.

Medicare is proposing a 19% increase in reimbursement for physicians who provide smoking cessation counseling and address alcohol and substance misuse during patient visits. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposal, which includes a comment deadline of Sept. 14. The American Lung Association praised the change as overdue.

Canadian wildfire smoke caused Detroit's air quality index (AQI) to exceed 500, a hazardous level, exacerbating existing pollution issues in Southwest Detroit. The area faces long-term health impacts from over 40 major and minor polluters, prompting State Sen. Stephanie Chang and Rep. Donovan McKinney to introduce legislation addressing cumulative pollution effects in overburdened communities.

Fourth of July fireworks release harmful pollutants like smoke, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, posing serious health risks, particularly to lungs. The American Lung Association warns that fireworks smoke worsens conditions for people with asthma or COPD and advises avoiding exposure through measures like wearing N95 masks and staying upwind.

Southern California air quality officials warn of hazardous air during the July 4 weekend due to fireworks-related particle pollution. The advisory affects areas including downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, and northern Orange County, with health risks for people with respiratory conditions. The advisory lasts from 5 p.m. July 4 until 3 p.m. July 5.

The Science History Institute in Philadelphia's Old City is hosting an exhibit on the history of fireworks, showcasing items like canisters, flasks, and 19th-century recipe books. The display traces fireworks' evolution from ancient Chinese bamboo tubes to modern chemistry, highlighting Italian immigrants' contributions and the use of metal salts to create colors. The exhibit runs through July 31, 2027, as part of the city's 250th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence.

A research project in rural Minnesota, led by Dr. Abbie Begnaud of the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota, aims to increase lung cancer screening rates by engaging rural clinics to identify eligible patients and schedule screenings. The initiative addresses barriers like limited access to imaging centers, higher smoking rates, and stigma around smoking in rural areas, where early detection could significantly improve survival rates.

Two counties in Southern California's Inland Empire were ranked worst in the U.S. for ozone pollution by the American Lung Association, failing all federal safety standards. Los Angeles and Long Beach metropolitan areas also ranked worst for ozone pollution, with new EPA rollbacks expected.

The American Lung Association's 2026 State of the Air report highlights that 44% of Americans face dangerously polluted air, with California at 82%. Los Angeles is among the worst-performing cities for air quality.

Nearly half of U.S. children are exposed to dangerous air pollution levels, according to a study by the American Lung Association. The report highlights the health risks posed by poor air quality for young people.

The American Lung Association's Earth Day report reveals that nearly half of the U.S. population faces unhealthy air quality, with improvements in particle pollution offset by worsening ozone impacts.

A new American Lung Association report reveals that 44% of Americans (over 152 million people) live in areas with unhealthy air, released on Earth Day. The annual 'State of the Air' report highlights significant public health concerns related to air quality.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries warns Ron DeSantis that Virginia's congressional map vote could embolden Florida Republicans to push boundary changes. A new American Lung Association report reveals nearly half of U.S. children face dangerous air pollution levels, citing Trump's environmental rollbacks as exacerbating the issue.

A report by the American Lung Association reveals nearly half of U.S. children are exposed to dangerous air pollution levels, citing data from 2022–2024. Experts warn that the Trump EPA’s environmental protection rollbacks exacerbate the issue, with the report analyzing ozone and particle pollution trends.