On Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, the American Lung Association in New Jersey will release the 27th annual “State of the Air” report, which tracks exposure to unhealthy ozone and particle pollution. The report serves as a “report card,” ranking air quality in metro areas and grading counties across the state. Additionally, the report ranks the most polluted and cleanest cities across the country.
This year’s report will have a special focus on children, who face unique risks from air pollution. Their lungs are still developing, they breathe more air for their body size than adults, and they are frequently exposed to outdoor air. Growing up breathing high levels of air pollution can affect how children’s lungs develop, putting them at greater risk of lung disease as they age.
WHAT: The American Lung Association’s 2026 “State of the Air” report
WHEN: The report will be released on Wednesday, April 22 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.
WHERE: New findings from the “State of the Air” report will be live on Lung.org/sota following the launch. Embargoed report findings and embargoed interviews are available upon request prior to the report launch.
WHO: The following are available for media interviews on report findings and health impacts of air pollution:
- Michael Seilback, AVP, Nationwide Advocacy, American Lung Association
- Andrew Berman, MD, NJ Local Leadership Board, American Lung Association; Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Division Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
- Local storytellers who can share how air quality has impacted their health
WHY: Both ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot) can cause premature death and other serious health effects such as asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, preterm births and impaired cognitive functioning later in life. Particle pollution can also cause lung cancer.
In this report, find out:
- If the air quality in your area is unhealthy to breathe
- Information about populations facing greater health risks from air pollution, including children, individuals who are pregnant, older adults and people with lung disease
- Information about the burden of air pollution on communities of color
- What steps the nation must take to make progress toward cleaner, healthier air
HOW: To request embargoed report findings or an embargoed interview, contact Val Gleason at Val.Gleason@Lung.org or 717-971-1123 or cell at 302-275-2277.