A new American Lung Association report finds that Houston is one of the most polluted cities in the U.S., with dangerous levels of ozone and particle pollution. Health risks are rising as extreme heat and climate change intensify the crisis.
Houston has found itself on a concerning list once more — this time regarding air pollution.
The Houston-Pasadena metro area is ranked 7th in the nation for ozone pollution and 8th for year-round particle pollution, as stated in the American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report. Both types of air pollution are recognized for their potential to lead to significant health issues, such as heart and lung diseases, asthma, and premature births.
Ozone pollution, commonly known as “smog,” occurs when vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, and power generation interact with sunlight. Particle pollution, consisting of minuscule airborne solids and liquids, is frequently generated by diesel engines, industrial activities, and wildfires.
“This serves as a wake-up call for Houston,” stated Harold Wimmer, CEO of the American Lung Association. “As more individuals are exposed to unhealthy air, the federal staff, programs, and policies designed to combat pollution are encountering rollbacks and budget reductions.”
Other Texas cities face challenges: Dallas is ranked 10th in ozone pollution nationwide.
The report highlights the link between extreme heat and deteriorating air quality—a dual challenge that Houston is increasingly confronting. Amid record-breaking heat and extended periods of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, Texas is witnessing an increase in heat-related fatalities and a rise in pollution levels.
According to researchers, climate change intensifies both risks, with vulnerable communities facing the most significant impact. Although individuals of color constitute approximately 41% of the U.S. population, more than 50% reside in regions with poor air quality.
Simultaneously, federal assistance for environmental protection is diminishing. During President Donald Trump’s administration, the newly established Department of Government Efficiency implemented significant budget reductions for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cutting its funding by 54.5% to levels reminiscent of the Reagan era.
Programs that promote tree planting, land conservation, and climate resilience have been significantly reduced.
“These cuts make families increasingly susceptible to harmful air pollution,” Wimmer cautioned. “It is essential to safeguard the EPA, rather than dismantle it.”
Given the escalating pollution levels and dwindling remediation resources, Houston's air quality crisis will not improve without immediate intervention.
