Nearly Half Of U.S. Children Breathing Polluted Air, Study Finds

A new American Lung Association analysis says 33.5 million U.S. children, or 46% of those under 18, live in areas that failed at least one air pollution measure.

More than 7 million children live in places that failed all three measures studied, including PM2.5 and ozone.

The report highlights racial disparities, with communities of color facing disproportionate harm from unhealthy air.

It also warns that wildfire smoke, climate-driven pollution, and fossil-fuel-powered data centers could worsen risks for children.