Indy's Air Quality Ranked Among Worst by American Lung Association

Report: Indianapolis ranks among cities with the poorest air quality in the country.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The American Lung Association lists Indianapolis as one of the most air-polluted cities in the U.S.

State of the Air The American Lung Association’s (ALA) yearly assessment of air quality relies on pollution statistics provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The report ranks the Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie In the ranking for year-round particle pollution across 208 metropolitan regions, this area was placed as the 11th worst. Regarding Marion County’s air quality, which factored in high ozone days, 24-hour particle pollution levels, and average yearly air contamination, the American Lung Association assigned an “F” grade.

"What that means in real world terms is far too many residents are being forced to breathe unhealthy air," said Mike Seilback, vice president of state public policy for the ALA.

As stated by the ALA, continuous exposure to particulate matter throughout the year may result in a higher likelihood of developing asthma, fatalities among fetuses and infants, as well as lung cancer.

The report coincides with Indiana’s decision to decrease access to Medicaid. increasing regulation and passing new legislation restricting the amount of individuals permitted to register for the program Healthy Indiana Plan .

We must ensure individuals receive the medical care they require," Seilback stated. "This conversation could quite literally be about life and death.

The ALA is speaking out against reductions to Medicaid at the state level. and federal level .

Seilback stated, "We ought to take every measure to safeguard our residents and not create additional obstacles for them to remain enrolled in healthcare."

The State of the Air report indicates that 46% of Americans reside in regions that received poor marks for either ozone or particle contamination.