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Executive Summary
Millions of Americans were subjected to dangerous levels of air pollution during the years 2000 to 2002. The American Lung Association State of the Air: 2004 presents information on air pollution on a state-by-state, county-by-county basis, using the most up-to-date quality assured data available for nationwide comparisons.
For the first time, in addition to its traditional focus on ozone pollution, the American Lung Association State of the Air: 2004 expands to include a county-level report card on particle pollution, a pollutant that represents risks to the lives of far too many Americans. In addition, this year's report shows that ozone remains a persistent threat across large parts of the United States.
 Some of the facts from this report card on air pollution are below, taking a look at the nation as a whole:
Nearly half the U.S. population -- 47% -- lives in areas with unhealthful levels of ozone.
Counties that were graded F for ozone levels have a combined population of 136 million. Almost half of America is living in counties where the air quality places them at risk for decreased lung function, respiratory infection, lung inflammation and aggravation of respiratory illness.
Over one quarter -- 28% -- of the U.S. population lives in areas with unhealthful short-term levels of particle pollution.
Over 81 million Americans live in areas where they are exposed to unhealthful short-term levels of particle pollution. Short-term, or acute, exposure to particle pollution has been shown to increase heart attacks, strokes, and emergency-room visits for respiratory ailments and cardiovascular disease, and most importantly, increase the risk of death.
Nearly one quarter -- 23% -- of the U.S. population lives in areas with unhealthful year-round levels of particle pollution.
Sixty-six million Americans suffer from chronic exposure to particle pollution. Even when levels are fairly low, over time exposure to particles can increase risk of hospitalization for asthma, damage to the lungs and significantly increase the risk of premature death.
Over half -- 55% -- of the U.S. population lives in counties which have unhealthy levels of either ozone or particle pollution.
Approximately 159 million Americans live in 441 counties where they are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution in the form of either ozone or short-term or yearround levels of particles.
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