American Lung Association Report Highlights Pollution in Mountain West Cities Affecting Children's Health
A recent report by the American Lung Association reveals that approximately half of U.S. children are living in areas with unhealthy air quality. The report, titled 'State of the Air', tracks ozone and fine particle pollution, identifying several Mountain West cities as among the most polluted in the nation. Phoenix ranks fourth for ozone pollution, with Denver, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City also appearing high on the list. The report attributes worsening air quality to climate change, which exacerbates extreme heat and pollution levels. Geography plays a role, as many cities in the region are situated in valleys or basins where polluted air can become trapped. Wildfire smoke further contributes to the problem, as fires burn longer and more intensely due to hotter, drier conditions. 
