The Boston skyline affected by air pollution from wildfires.
Boston’s air quality is deteriorating, with 46% of Americans exposed to unhealthy levels of pollution. A recent report reveals alarming trends, including increased exposure to unhealthy air affecting vulnerable populations. Urgent action is necessary to improve air quality and protect public health.
Boston is facing a troubling situation as its air quality worsens, according to a new report from the American Lung Association titled “State of the Air” for 2025. This is not just a local concern, but a national one, with a staggering 46% of Americans—that’s a whopping 156 million people—living in areas that have unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.
This year, the report highlights a worrying trend: there are 25 million more people exposed to unhealthy air compared to last year. The reasons behind this decline in air quality are multifaceted, but extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and wildfires are playing a big role. Particularly concerning is the recent, unprecedented blanket of smoke from Canadian wildfires that has blanketed many parts of the country, including our very own Boston area—making the air we breathe even more toxic.
When it comes to rankings, the Boston–Worcester–Providence metro area finds itself at position 61st for high ozone days out of 228 metropolitan areas assessed. It doesn’t end there; the region also ranks 114th worst for 24-hour particle pollution among 225 metro areas, and 110th worst for annual particle pollution out of 208 metro areas. Those numbers are enough to make anyone concerned about the air they breathe on a daily basis.
For Suffolk County, the news gets even heavier. The county received a C grade for high ozone days and a B grade for 24-hour particle pollution. With a population of 768,425, many in this county belong to at-risk groups. For example, around 121,787 residents are under the age of 18, and 106,606 are 65 years or older. The statistics reveal that 78,242 adults and 7,148 children are living with asthma, while 31,030 residents face chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The data doesn’t stop there; an alarming 362 residents have been diagnosed with lung cancer, and 37,206 have cardiovascular disease.
It is worth noting that no Massachusetts counties received an “A” grade for particle pollution or ozone levels. In fact, the scores across the state are less than stellar with several counties stuck with D and C grades for both particle pollution and ozone.
As pollution levels rise, so do health concerns—especially for vulnerable groups, including children and outdoor workers. The report mentions a direct correlation between increasing levels of ozone smog and a rise in asthma attacks among kids. Policymakers in Massachusetts are urged to take action to improve air quality, especially given the potential cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that could impact workforce and funding.
Another area of focus is Worcester County, which has seen its air quality grade drop from a B to a C. Higher daily levels of particle pollution have played a significant role in this decline, showcasing a clear need for immediate attention to this growing problem.
Looking beyond our borders, Washington County in Rhode Island is facing a dire situation as well, receiving an “F” grade for ozone pollution with an average of 4.5 unhealthy days per year. That is a stark reminder that Boston isn’t the only place grappling with air quality woes.
As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, maintaining improvements in air quality is becoming increasingly challenging. The need for collective action and awareness has never been more urgent. With the rising number of residents exposed to unhealthy air, significant changes are needed to ensure that everyone can breathe a little easier.
In summary, the air we breathe is facing significant challenges, and it’s crucial for both locals and policymakers to stay informed and proactive in addressing these pressing health concerns.
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