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Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Sierra Club: The Trump Admin's Toxic MAHA Contradiction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering granting an exemption from air pollution standards to U.S. Steel—one of the largest steel manufacturer in the country. The exemption, which would be for one of the company's production facilities in Pennsylvania, came after the Trump administration invited companies to seek written permission to break compliance with the Clean Air Act in March. It's the latest in a string of actions this administration has taken to gut air quality protections—including a sweeping rollback of power plant pollution limits recently announced, which weakens standards for mercury, carbon, and other toxic emissions. It also exposes the toxic hypocrisy of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda—a cornerstone of President Donald Trump's reelection platform championed by Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While this administration claims to prioritize the health of everyday Americans, its environmental and industrial policies reveal a stark contradiction that would be laughable if it weren't so dangerous. Pollution from a power plant is pictured. Pollution from a power plant is pictured. Getty Images Residents living near the aging and polluting U.S. steel plants in Indiana and Pennsylvania have been raising alarms for decades about the environmental and health harms, and medical associations and industry experts have echoed their calls. The American Lung Association's recent State of the Air report found that 156 million Americans breathe unhealthy air, with coal-fired steel plants as a major culprit. A recent Industrious Labs report on 17 coal-based steel plants found that they are linked to cancer rates up to 26 percent higher than the national average. In some areas, residents in communities neighboring toxic steel plants rely on flimsy barriers like tarps to shield themselves from harmful toxins. I've seen it firsthand in my work with communities and people on the frontlines of industrial decarbonization at the Sierra Club. People routinely wake up in the morning to a haze over the sky resembling snow. Mothers fretting over their children's respiratory illness, wondering why their elected leaders aren't fighting for stronger protections and cleaner manufacturing now. Callously, rather than addressing the rampant pollution caused by coal-fired steel manufacturing, the administration is doing the opposite—shielding polluters by carving out exemptions and distracting the public with pseudoscience. One of the most bizarre examples is MAHA's misguided "wellness" agenda—including a proposal from RFK Jr. to create government-run "wellness farms" as a cure for chronic illness through a simple fresh air detox. The idea went viral this spring and drew widespread criticism across the political spectrum for its impracticality and for overlooking the root causes of the health problems it claimed to solve. But RFK's musings about "curing" chronic illness with a summer in the countryside aren't just silly pseudoscience—they're a smokescreen. They're a deliberate distraction from the policies that could actually make people healthier, like reducing pollution in the air we breathe. The EPA's decision to weaken air quality standards for coal-fired steel plants directly threatens communities already disproportionately burdened by air pollution. These plants emit toxic pollutants linked to asthma, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses—a connection backed by proven medical research and reflected in decades of devastating health outcomes for communities. Rolling back these regulations prioritizes industry inertia over human lives and lays bare the emptiness of MAHA's "health and wellness" rhetoric. As a result, millions more children and vulnerable people will be forced to choke on toxic fumes while manufacturing executives pour more money into dying steel plants. To really make America healthy, the administration should strengthen, not weaken, air quality protections—and that starts with supporting clean manufacturing. Rather than dismantling EPA regulations, the MAHA agenda and those behind it should focus on protecting, enforcing, and expanding existing air quality standards across the board, especially in high-pollution industries like steel manufacturing. That means urging companies to transition from coal-fired steel plants to clean, modern production technologies that reduce emissions and could improve health outcomes for millions. It should also include urging Congress to pass federal investments in clean steel manufacturing that would help incentivize the industry to modernize and create thousands of new blue-collar jobs. It's the kind of real solution that the Sierra Club and our local partners have been calling for, and that puts community well-being over short-sighted corporate interests. Rather than protecting the working-class communities they claim to champion, this administration is trading science for stunts. They are rolling back the very protections that keep people safe and hoping no one notices. The resulting media circus of their incompetence distracts us from their behind-the-scenes actions that are fueling a growing health crisis impacting the very working-class communities that helped deliver Trump his second term. As long as this administration enacts policies that make it easier for companies to poison the air we breathe, the MAHA agenda's rhetoric of health and wellness is hollow at best and dangerously deceptive at worst. Americans and their families deserve far better, and it's time to hold this administration accountable and demand policies that truly prioritize public health for this generation and the next. CeCe Grant is a national campaign director at the Sierra Club. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
American Lung Association President: Electric School Buses Protect Kids' Health. Congress Should Continue To Support Them
For those of us who took the school bus as children, the smell of diesel exhaust is almost a core memory; I remember how it would linger in my nose and lungs as I rode to school, and the sight of the afternoon line of school buses shrouded in smoke from the exhaust. For me, the diesel smell seemed like an inconvenience, but I didn't know it was negatively impacting my health. For kids with asthma, the impacts were more apparent. This is still the experience of too many children today, as most of the half million school buses on the road are diesel-powered. While stronger pollution standards have made these vehicles cleaner than they used to be, they still spew exhaust that impacts student health and even learning outcomes. The toxic exhaust from diesel-burning buses is unsafe for students, drivers, and residents of the communities they drive through and park in. An electric school bus is pictured. An electric school bus is pictured. Getty Images There is a solution that reduces pollution exposure while improving kids' health: electric school buses, the only type of school bus with no tailpipe emissions. Over a quarter of a million students already ride these clean buses to school each day. To ensure more children have the opportunity to ride on clean, electric school buses, I strongly urge federal lawmakers to preserve two critical tax incentives, the Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (45W), a tax credit that provides up to $40,000 for each delivered electric school bus, and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (30C), which allows entities to claim a credit for up to 30 percent of the cost of qualified property, such as electric school bus charging infrastructure. I have worked at the American Lung Association for more than 40 years and now serve as the president and CEO. For more than 50 years, we have known about the health impacts of vehicle emissions and the particularly harmful emissions of diesel engines. It is time—and our responsibility—to ensure that all children have a healthy ride to school. According to the Lung Association's most recent State of the Air report, 46 percent of Americans—156.1 million people—are living in places that get failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. Diesel exhaust, in particular, is dangerous for everyone to breathe, even healthy adults, but children are especially sensitive to the variety of pollutants known to cause lung cancer and respiratory harm and impact cognitive development. The health impacts of air pollution are not felt equally. The State of the Air report also found that a person of color is more than twice as likely to live in a community with a failing grade for all three measures of pollution covered in the report. Communities that have been historically disadvantaged are more likely to be exposed to vehicle-based air pollution due to lending, transit, housing, and zoning policies that concentrated Black and brown communities closer to highways and other pollution sources. The good news is we already know one thing that can help: a widespread transition to zero-emission vehicles and electricity, including buses, would dramatically improve the health of children. According to another Lung Association report, the transition would prevent 2.79 million pediatric asthma attacks and millions of other respiratory symptoms and save over 500 infant lives by 2050. More communities than ever have the opportunity to transition to clean, tailpipe-emissions-free electric school buses, thanks in large part to federal incentives like tax credits and grant programs. Since 2021, the number of electric school buses on the road or on their way to school districts has increased almost tenfold, and 1,500 school districts have said yes to electric school buses across the nation. There's clear demand for electric school buses, but it's only just getting started and needs continued policy support to drive the transition. It is imperative that lawmakers protect incentives like the 45W and 30C tax credits, which are popular and utilized across the country to help keep the wheels turning. Our kids deserve to live in a country where no student is forced to inhale toxic exhaust from their own bus just to get to and from school each day. With continued support from our elected officials, we can make it happen. Harold Wimmer is president and CEO of the American Lung Association. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Associated Press
18-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Camfil Breaks Down 2025 State of the Air Report with Accessible Explanations and Actionable Insights
06/18/2025, Riverdale, NJ // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Camfil, a global manufacturer of cutting-edge air filtration solutions, has announced the release of an educational guide that brings the critical findings of the 2025 'State of the Air' report by the American Lung Association to a wider audience. The analysis highlights urgent air quality challenges and how businesses can proactively address these issues with innovative indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions. The 'State of the Air' report revealed startling data on air pollution in the United States, citing that nearly 131 million Americans live in areas with failing air quality grades. The report identifies worsening air quality due to wildfires, extreme weather, and industrial emissions, and notes that communities of color and low-income populations bear a disproportionate burden. At the same time, Camfil highlights the need for immediate measures to ensure cleaner, healthier indoor spaces as Americans spend roughly 95% of their time indoors. Camfil's analysis explains the key findings of the report and equips businesses with practical approaches to improve IAQ, such as implementing high-efficiency particle filters and molecular filters that target harmful pollutants like ozone. Advanced solutions like HEPA filters and activated carbon filters are at the forefront of mitigating the dual risks of outdoor pollution infiltrating indoor spaces and excessive strain on HVAC systems. 'The findings of the 2025 'State of the Air' report are a reality check for businesses and policymakers. If air quality is compromised outside, it's critical to ensure cleaner, healthier air inside,' says Kevin Wood, Vice President, Manager of Marketing and Technical Materials at Camfil. 'Proactive IAQ management is not just about compliance but also about creating safer, more sustainable indoor environments.' With an emphasis on actionable insights, Camfil also provides tailored solutions for businesses across sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing, ensuring they meet emerging IAQ regulations while fostering productivity and well-being. Access Camfil's 2025 'State of the Air' educational guide and learn more about their comprehensive air quality solutions. About Camfil The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 29 manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and 5,700 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes, and the environment, visit us at For media inquiries, please contact: Lynne Laake Camfil USA Air Filters Phone: 888-599-6620 Email: [email protected]
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Alert Urging People to Check Themselves for Coughs Remains in One State
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Officials in Maine are urging people to monitor themselves for symptoms such as coughing as poor air quality persists across parts of the state on Monday from Canadian wildfires. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Greg Cornwell, who works at the Gray, Maine, office, told Newsweek that the smoke might dissipate from Maine on Tuesday but looks like it will return by Tuesday night. Why It Matters Experts and public health authorities have pointed to the increased frequency and distribution of air quality alerts as evidence of persistent and growing challenges posed by air pollution in the United States. Nearly half of Americans currently live in areas receiving failing grades for particulate or ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association's (ALA) "State of the Air" report. Over the past few weeks, wildfire smoke from Canada has descended into the U.S. and further worsened the air quality in some states. Among them, Maine has been on high alert, with residents advised to monitor themselves for symptoms if they are exposed to the polluted air. What to Know Smoke from Canadian wildfires significantly degraded air quality across large portions of the U.S. during the past week, leading to the issuance of air quality alerts in several states. These alerts specifically advised residents to monitor themselves for symptoms such as coughing, as exposure to wildfire smoke can trigger respiratory difficulties and, in some cases, increased risks for heart attacks and strokes, as Dr. Scott Budinger, chief of pulmonary and critical care at Northwestern University, previously told Newsweek. The most affected regions included the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and parts of the Northeast. At the height of the alerts, states such as Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin were advised to be especially vigilant, with public health authorities urging individuals who develop symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, or shortness of breath to limit outdoor activity. The alert persists in Maine on Monday, with officials from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) highlighting risks for particularly sensitive populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions. The most recently issued air quality alert relayed by the NWS is in place for the cities of Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Kittery, Portland, Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Westbrook, Yarmouth, Brunswick, Arrowsic, Bath, Phippsburg, Bowdoinham, Topsham, and Bowdoin. The affected areas expect to see PM2.5 levels—fine particulate pollution commonly associated with wildfire smoke—rising to the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' range on the Air Quality Index on Monday. As of 10:30 a.m. Eastern time, air monitoring stations across Maine reported "Moderate" air quality. Health officials across multiple states instructed residents to closely observe their respiratory health during these periods of poor air quality. Recommendations included avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows closed overnight, and using home air purifiers with high-efficiency filters. Alerts pointed to a particular danger for those with asthma or cardiovascular disease, with guidance for high-risk individuals to keep medications on hand and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or intensify. If someone experiences coughing as a symptom, Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a volunteer medical spokesperson with the American Lung Association (ALA), told Newsweek that they should see their doctor if the cough is accompanied by breathlessness or lasts for more than seven days. What People Are Saying National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Cornwell told Newsweek: "Tuesday during day will be more clear of smoke. By evening, that [upper-level low pressure system] will be pushing more smoke into the region heading into Tuesday night. It won't be quite as potent toward surface, which is good news for folks sensitive to that." Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos previously told Newsweek: "Your cough itself doesn't need emergent medical attention. However, if you're also experiencing breathlessness, talk to your doctor or seek more urgent care." NWS air quality alert for Maine: "The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors. It is okay to be active outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities." What Happens Next? The most recent air quality alert in Maine is expected to expire by midnight on Monday. However, it is possible more alerts will be issued depending on how weather trends affect the direction of the wildfire smoke this week.
Newsweek
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
People in Multiple States Advised to Monitor Themselves for Coughs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Officials in Michigan and Maine warned residents to monitor themselves for respiratory symptoms, including coughs, as poor air quality hit both states on Wednesday. Health advisories and air quality alerts blamed elevated fine particulate and ozone levels caused by wildfire smoke and other pollution sources for putting people in several counties in both states at increased risk of adverse health effects. Coughing is the lungs' only defense mechanism, said Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a volunteer medical spokesperson with the American Lung Association (ALA). "A cough is the body's way of saying, 'hey, you're breathing in something we don't really agree with,'" he told Newsweek. Why It Matters Air quality alerts mean increased risks for Americans, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting heart or respiratory conditions. Fire-related air pollution can worsen conditions such as asthma and lead to more serious health events during periods of elevated pollutants. With nearly half Americans already living in areas with failing grades for particle or ozone pollution, according to the ALA's 2025 "State of the Air" report, the current alerts underscore persistent and growing public health challenges from air pollution across the United States. What to Know Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an Air Quality Advisory for Wednesday, across at least 15 counties, including Emmet, Cheboygan, Leelanau, Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, and several in the Upper Peninsula. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) rose to levels considered 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' or higher, with some areas reaching the red AQI range, according to the EPA's AirNow platform. Officials recommended avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, especially for people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Authorities instructed residents to monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning of the nose, throat, and eyes. Residents were also advised to keep windows closed overnight and use high-efficiency filters (MERV-13 or higher) in home air systems. A stock image of a woman coughing. A stock image of a woman coughing. Liubomyr Vorona/Getty The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Bureau of Air Quality issued an Air Quality Alert from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 p.m. Thursday for much of the state—including Hancock, York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties. The alert cited ozone levels predicted to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' range, with particle pollution levels also expected to be moderate statewide due to wildfire smoke. Officials recommended limiting strenuous outdoor activity, warning that the health impacts could be compounded by ongoing heat and humidity. The DEP specifically urged people who may be especially sensitive—including children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart disease—to consider reducing the intensity and duration of outdoor activities if symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, or throat irritation develop. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone, the primary pollutants cited in both states, can irritate the respiratory system and worsen chronic conditions. Wildfire smoke contains small particles able to penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing risks for bronchitis, asthma attacks, and potential cardiovascular impacts. Short-term exposure to unhealthy air can cause noticeable symptoms even in healthy individuals, but the risks are substantially higher for those in at-risk groups. Monitoring for symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and chest discomfort remains crucial for early intervention and prevention of severe outcomes. Galiatsatos told Newsweek that coughing is a good thing in that it is the body's way of expelling something potentially dangerous, but there are instances where someone should seek medical attention. "Your cough itself doesn't need emergent medical attention," he said. "However, if you're also experiencing breathlessness, talk to your doctor or seek more urgent care." Other reasons to see a doctor include a cough lasting more than seven days. What People Are Saying Galiatsatos told Newsweek: "If the Air Quality Index is high, over 100 for the general population, people should really take that into account in regards to their safety. People with preexisting conditions such as asthma or COPD, anything greater than 50 should really be taken into consideration." The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Gaylord, Michigan, said in an air quality alert: "Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices." What Happens Next Air quality advisories in Michigan and Maine are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of Wednesday and Thursday depending on local conditions. Officials in both states have advised residents to monitor air quality forecasts and follow health recommendations as pollution levels may fluctuate due to weather and wildfire trends. Galiatsatos urged people to regularly pay attention to their local air quality. If air quality is poor, people might choose to stay indoors, limit their time outside, or keep preventive medications on hand, such as an inhaler.
