According to CBS 12 in Providence,  the American Lung Association is reporting more than 40% of Americans for a total over 137 million people, are living with unhealthy air, and while Southern New England is doing well in some areas, the report shows some still much-needed room for improvement. Providence County and Bristol County Massachusetts, known as the two most densely populated areas in the region, received failing grades for ozone levels. According to the American Lung Association, between the two counties, the failing grades potentially put over 1.2 million residents at risk. The report lists people with asthma, and lung cancer, children under 18, adults over 65, and people of color as at-risk residents.

Although both counties received failing grades for high ozone levels, they were given passing grades for particle pollution. To combat unhealthy air quality, the American Lung Association says to clean up air pollution and address climate change.