US removes scientific basis for air pollution rules – what this means for public health

The rule that was removed, known as the “endangerment finding,” was made in 2009 and determined that greenhouse gases – the pollutants released by burning fuels like oil, gas and coal – are harmful to people’s health. It has been the basis for US air pollution and climate rules for over 16 years.

The decision goes against the views of independent scientists, including ELF and the European Respiratory Society.

Why this matters for people with lung conditions

Air pollution is harmful to the lungs. It can trigger asthma attacks, make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse, increase the risk of lung infections, and lead to more hospital admissions. Over time, long-term exposure to polluted air can cause lasting damage to the lungs.

Climate change, which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is also making things worse. Heatwaves, wildfires and flooding are becoming more frequent and more severe — and all of these have a direct impact on breathing and lung health.

Air pollution does not stop at national borders. What happens in one country can affect air quality in others. That is why decisions about environmental protection matter for everyone, wherever they live.

Dimitris Kontopidis, Chair of the European Lung Foundation, said:

“All of us, and especially people living with lung conditions, need clean air to live well. Removing the scientific basis for air pollution rules does not make the evidence go away; it simply takes away the urgency to act on it. We are concerned about what this means for people’s health, not just in the US but globally. Air pollution is a shared problem that needs a shared response based on science.”

Phil Taverner, incoming Chair of the European Lung Foundation, said:

“When governments move away from the science that protects the air we breathe, it is patients and families who feel the consequences first.”

What you can do

ELF and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) are running a joint campaign to defend science and protect public health. You can help by spreading the word and sharing our campaign resources.

• Learn more and support our campaign — social media content is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish
• Read the ERS response to this decision

More information and resources

• Air quality
• Climate change