American Lung Association

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.