More from the article...

... Driving the news: Just over 156 million Americans -- 46% of the population -- are living in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, per the American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air report.

- - - That's almost 25 million more compared to last year's report, and the highest number in the past decade of the report's history.

Between the lines: Extreme heat, wildfires and drought are degrading air quality nationwide, the Lung Association says. All have been linked to climate change.

- - - Air pollution is associated with an array of health conditions, from wheezing and coughing to asthma and premature death. ...