ST. LOUIS – A recent report noted the St. Louis Metro area as one of the worst in the country when it comes to the air we’re breathing in everyday.

The American Lung Association released their annual “State of the Air” report this week, and the metro area came in at the 17th worst when it comes to particle pollution. The ranking this year is higher than last year—which had put the area at the 33rd worst in the nation.

“Unfortunately, too many people in the Greater St. Louis area are living with unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution. This air pollution is a threat to human health at every stage of life – from increasing the risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies to causing or worsening lung disease,” Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association Laura Turner said in a release.

Through their study, they released the following statistics for the St. Louis Metro:

• Ground-level ozone pollution
  • 21st worst out of 228
  • 10.5 unhealthy days per year
  • Worst in metro area: Madison County
• Particle pollution
  • 88th worst out of 223
  • 2.2 unhealthy days per year
  • Worst in metro area: St. Louis County

The report then gave the metro area a failing grade, as the levels are higher than federal standards. But we’re not the only one—roughly 156 million U.S. citizens live in areas that also have a failing grade.

The report tracks data over a three year period, according to the American Lung Association. The ground-level ozone pollution category this year was significantly higher than 2024’s report, which researchers attribute to wildfires and extreme heat.

In an interview with Dr. Shiraz Daud. Pulmonologist at Missouri Baptist Medical Center discussing the State of the Air report last year, he noted how these issues can show up in people’s everyday lives, which includes the following short-term symptoms:

• Headaches
• Nasal congestion
• Eye and throat irritation
• Chest congestion
• Wheezing
• Abdominal pain

In Missouri, only 19 of the 114 counties have monitors to record air quality data—much of those not represented being in more rural areas.

“Rural communities often face pollution from agriculture, mining and industry, yet lack adequate monitoring systems. It is essential to address gaps in official monitoring to ensure communities can access comprehensive air quality data, which will support efforts to clean up pollution and protect public health,” the release added.

To see the full State of the Air report, click here.