Some 170,000 Massachusetts children are breathing in unhealthy air, according to a new report that gave the broad Boston-Worcester-Providence metro area a failing grade based on daily particle pollution.
But the report from the American Lung Association, which graded air quality levels across the country based on ground-level ozone air pollution and particle pollution data, offered more nuanced local views. Some Massachusetts counties secured top marks, while others posted average or failing grades.
Both ozone and particle pollution can lead to premature deaths and other health issues, including asthma, heart attacks, stroke, preterm births and impaired cognitive functioning later in life, the association said. Infants, children and teens are “more susceptible” to health issues linked to air pollution, according to the association.
“Children deserve to breathe air that won’t make them sick,” Daniel Fitzgerald, the association’s director of advocacy, said. “This air pollution is causing kids to have asthma attacks, contributing to chronic health conditions, and making people who work outdoors sick.”
The Boston metro area ranked 57th worst in the nation for ozone pollution, which the association says is the top pollutant that’s making breathing more difficult for Americans. But six Massachusetts counties — Berkshire, Franklin, Middlesex, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester — earned a “B” grade. Meanwhile, Bristol and Dukes counties each earned a “D.”
The association said fine particle pollution — stemming from wildfires, wood-burning stoves, coal-fired power plants and other sources — can be “extremely dangerous and even deadly.” Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties scored “A” grades, while Essex County had an “F.” Earning “C” grades were Bristol, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties.
The report comes amid major policy changes at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, such as the rollback of the endangerment finding and greenhouse gas emission standards.
“We urge Massachusetts policymakers to take action to improve our air quality and we are calling on everyone to tell EPA that our kids’ health counts,” Fitzgerald said.
Alison Kuznitz is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at akuznitz@stateaffairs.com.
