Climate Changed
U.S. Air Quality Was Improving. Now It’s Getting Worse
New data may signal a deadly change in America’s environmental health.
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After years of decline, a spike in air pollution may have taken the lives of almost 10,000 additional Americans over two years.
Following a 24% drop between 2009 and 2016, particulate matter air pollution in the U.S. increased 5.5% in 2017 and 2018, according to a new analysis of Environmental Protection Agency data by two Carnegie Mellon economists.