The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report for 2025 paints a bleak picture for many residents of the Pittsburgh region, with the area scoring poorly in air quality assessments. This annual report, released today, found the Pittsburgh-Weirton-Steubenville metro area ranking 16th worst in the nation for daily particle pollution and 12th worst for year-round particle pollution, based on air quality data from 2021 through 2023, as reported by CBS News Pittsburgh.
Approximately 156 million people in the United States, or 46%, reside in areas with failing grades for at least one measure of air pollution, and Pittsburgh is a notable contributor to these statistics. Despite the worrisome rankings, some complexities emerge, as Beaver County receives a passing grade, according to the Ellwood City Ledger. However, Allegheny County, one of Pittsburgh’s core counties, failed to meet air quality standards, with an average of 11.6 micrograms per cubic meter of fine particle pollution, exceeding the federal standard of 9 micrograms per cubic meter.
Kevin Stewart, Director of Environmental Health with the American Lung Association, highlighted the complexity of particle pollution, describing it as a "mixture of tiny pieces of solids and sometimes liquids that are suspended in the air," in a statement detailed by Triblive. The health implications of such pollution include asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and even lung cancer. This situation is particularly dire for vulnerable populations, including children, senior citizens, and people with chronic diseases.
Ozone pollution also remains a concern, with the Pittsburgh area ranking 90th worst for this pollutant, according to the ALA report. These "orange" ozone days, described by the EPA's Air Quality Index as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," present substantial health risks, especially to those already suffering from respiratory conditions. The ALA's call for support to protect the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency amid federal cuts is indicative of the wider concern for maintaining and strengthening air quality controls, as emphasized by Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association in a statement shared by Ellwood City Ledger.
With the increased health risks outlined in the ALA report, Elizabeth Hensil, director of advocacy in Pennsylvania at the American Lung Association, urged Pennsylvania policymakers to take action to improve air quality in the region.
