Starting May 1, daily air quality forecasts for the 2026 season are back. Despite decades of efforts, the American Lung Association’s latest report shows millions of Americans, including St. Louis residents, are still exposed to unhealthy air.
ST. LOUIS, MO. (April 29, 2026) . . . As daily air quality forecasting resumes for the 2026 season on May 1, the American Lung Association’s newly released “State of the Air” report reveals that, even after decades of efforts to clean up air pollution, millions of Americans — including residents across the St. Louis region — continue to be exposed to unhealthy air. The report, which covers the period of 2022-2024, finds that 44% of people nationwide, or 152.3 million individuals, are living in areas that earned failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. While particle pollution improved slightly compared to its decade-long worsening trend, ozone pollution affected more people than in each of the previous five reports, underscoring the continued need for regional, state and local action to address pollution sources.
A long-term look at the data reveals both progress and concern for the St. Louis region. During the summers of 1996–1998, the average number of high ozone days approached 50. In the most recent report period, that average dropped to just over 10 high ozone days per year — a clear sign that air quality programs, cleaner technologies and voluntary emission reductions have made a difference over time. However, that progress is tempered by the region’s recent rankings. For the second consecutive year in the past decade, the St. Louis metro area placed among the top 25 most ozone-polluted U.S. cities, tying for number 24 out of 226 metropolitan areas. The region also ranked 31st nationally for annual particle pollution, a drop of 14 positions from the previous year.
The latest “State of the Air” findings add to a growing body of evidence showing that a changing climate is making it harder to maintain and protect hard-earned gains in air quality. Rising temperatures, prolonged drought and increased wildfire activity are contributing to more frequent high-ozone days and short-term spikes in particle pollution, putting millions of people at heightened risk and complicating ongoing cleanup efforts across the country. The report shows that the areas of the country facing the greatest challenges with ozone pollution include much of the Southwest — from California through Texas — as well as large portions of the Midwest.
In the St. Louis region, all eight counties in the bi-state non-attainment area earned failing grades for ozone pollution in the American Lung Association’s report. These include:
Missouri Illinois
| Jefferson | F | Jersey | F |
| St. Charles | F | Macoupin | F |
| St. Louis County | F | Madison | F |
| St. Louis City | F | St. Clair | F |
“This report reflects both how far the St. Louis region has come and how much work still lies ahead,” said Susannah Fuchs, Director of Healthy Air Solutions for the American Lung Association in Missouri. “Reductions in high ozone days over the past few decades show that solutions work, but the data also makes it very clear that recent environmental and climate-related pressures are putting those gains at risk.”
According to the 2026 “State of the Air” report, exposure to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone continues to affect more people than any other monitored air pollutant. For the three-year period covered in this year’s report, 38% of the population — some 129.1 million people — were exposed to levels of ozone that put their health at risk. That represents the highest number reported in six years and includes tens of millions of children, adults age 65 and older, and individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Nearly half of the children in the U.S. are breathing unhealthy levels of air pollution, including almost 500,000 kids in Missouri alone.
“As we head into another summer season when poor air quality becomes more common, everyday choices can make a real difference,” Fuchs said. “From how we commute to how we use energy at work and at home, small changes — when adopted widely — help reduce pollution and protect the people who are most vulnerable to unhealthy air.”
After several years of successful reductions in ozone pollution in many parts of the country — thanks to clean up measures enacted under the Clean Air Act — the results in the “State of the Air” reports for both 2025 and 2026 show a distressing reversal, demonstrating that past progress is fragile. The increase in ozone pollution reported this year is especially notable following a sharp rise shown in last year’s data, even as some counties reported incomplete monitoring information. In total, 219 counties across 36 states and Washington, D.C., earned failing ozone grades in this year’s report, the highest number since 2016. Nationwide, 77 metro areas included at least one county with an “F” grade for ozone pollution.
The Clean Air Partnership encourages residents throughout the St. Louis region to stay informed about local air quality conditions, especially on orange or red air quality days, when people should consider adjusting outdoor activities to reduce exposure to polluted air. Daily, color‑coded air quality forecasts are available at CleanAir-StLouis, where individuals can also sign up to receive alerts by email or text through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s EnviroFlash system. Forecasts are also shared on AirNow.gov, during First Alert 4 weather broadcasts and at FirstAlert4.com. In addition, CleanAir-StLouis offers air quality tips, seasonal updates and helpful resources. Residents can also stay connected by following the Clean Air Partnership on Facebook or on X @gatewaycleanair.
To access the full American Lung Association 2026 “State of the Air” report, visit Lung.org.
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About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
About the Clean Air Partnership
The Clean Air Partnership was formed in 1995, led by the American Lung Association, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Washington University, and others, to increase awareness of regional air quality issues and to encourage activities to reduce air pollution emissions.
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