Image Credit: USA Today
Wildfire smoke is making U.S. air quality worse, even as industrial pollution drops. A new report shows that 25 million more Americans now breathe unhealthy air.
Nearly half the country lives in areas with failing air grades for particle or ozone pollution. About 43 million people are exposed to both.
Cities in California like Bakersfield, Fresno, and Visalia top the list for worst air. Wildfires, heat, and drought are key reasons for rising pollution.
Only two cities—Bangor, Maine, and San Juan, Puerto Rico—earned top air quality marks, down from five last year.
Experts warn that one severe fire season can undo years of progress in pollution control, putting more communities at risk.