Air Pollution

Join the Fight for Healthy Air

Californians breathe the worst air in the nation, with 95 percent of us living in areas with unhealthy air. Pollutants like ozone – the main ingredient in smog - and particle pollution - tiny particles that can be inhaled into our lungs - are serious threats to public health. Numerous scientific studies have linked these pollutants to lung cancer, asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and early death as well as increased hospitalizations for breathing problems. Research also shows that ozone air pollution – or smog – may actually cause asthma in otherwise healthy children.

The American Lung Association of California has led the way on efforts to improve air quality for decades, successfully promoting policies to reduce car and truck emissions, diesel exhaust, and our dependence on petroleum oil. A major focus of our current efforts is reducing diesel soot from trucks, buses, ports, and off-road equipment.

In recent years, we have brought together other healthcare organizations concerned about air pollution and its harmful effect on health through our Health Network for Clean Air. With our leadership, the Network has become a strong voice at the State Capitol and with the California Air Resources Board, the state agency responsible for regulating air quality.

We are also working on indoor air quality issues. Over the last 40 years, exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased for a variety of reasons. Today’s homes, schools and office buildings are more tightly sealed and don’t provide proper ventilation, and building materials often contain more chemicals.

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