The American Lung Association has released its 26th annual State of the Air report, offering a comprehensive look at air pollution levels across the United States. The report grades exposure to ozone and particle pollution over a three-year period (2021-2023) using the latest quality-assured air quality monitoring data.
According to the report, the Fargo-Wahpeton metro area is now ranked 130th worst in the nation for ground-level ozone pollution, dropping from 116th worst in the 2024 report. The area experienced an average of one unhealthy ozone day per year, receiving a C grade — a decline from the B grade earned last year. The report further highlights that the Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot metro areas all rank among the top 25 most polluted areas in the country for short-term particle pollution.
These findings are part of a broader national trend. Nearly half of the U.S. population, approximately 156 million people, live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Researchers attribute much of the worsening air quality to extreme heat events and increased wildfire smoke, factors that have particularly affected North Dakota in recent years.
The report emphasizes that exposure to ozone and particle pollution can cause serious health impacts at every stage of life, including lung cancer, asthma attacks, and cardiovascular events. Considering the findings, the American Lung Association is encouraging public support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which plays a critical role in protecting air quality through regulations, enforcement, and research.