VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — According to an American Lung Association report, Hampton Roads air pollution is slightly worse than it was last year.

“The air pollutants highlighted in this report are widespread and pose a risk to everyone’s health,” said American Lung Association VA, MD, DC, DE Advocacy Director, Aleks Casper, in a release.

Courtesy: American Lung Association

The association’s 2025 ‘State of the Air’ report analyzes ozone ‘smog,’ short-term particle and year-round particle pollution levels in areas across the United States.

“Both ozone and particle pollution can lead to premature death and cause serious health issues such as asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births, and even problems with cognitive function later in life. Particle pollution can also increase the risk of lung cancer” said Casper.

The report’s data specifically looks at the levels of an area’s worst administrative subdivision. The data is then used to nationally rank each area.

Hampton Roads rankings include:

  • 149th most ozone pollution in the nation (improving from last year’s 116th spot)
  • 152nd worst short-term particle pollution in the nation (worsening from last year’s spot)
  • 161st worst year-round average level of particle pollution in the nation (worsening than last year’s 175th spot)

“Sadly, too many people in the metro area are living with dangerous levels of ozone and particle pollution every day. This pollution is making kids have asthma attacks, causing people who work outdoors to get sick and unable to work, and even contributing to low birth weight in babies” said Casper, in a release.

The report found that 46% of the nation’s population live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. To decrease this number, the American Lung Association is urging people to make a difference.

“We’re urging Virginia policymakers to continue their commitment to improve our air quality. We’re also calling on everyone to support the vital work of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),” said Casper.

To view the full report and learn more, click here.