MEDIA ALERT: Local Air Quality Report Card Issued in American Lung Association in 2018 'State of the Air'

COLUMBUS OH (04/16/2018) (readMedia)-- MEDIA ALERT

WHAT: The American Lung Association is releasing the results of its 19th annual "State of the Air" report, including air quality grades and rankings of cities in Tennessee based on ozone pollution and particle pollution.

WHEN: The report will be live online on Wednesday, April 18 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.

WHY: Millions of Americans live in counties and cities that have unhealthy levels of either ozone (smog) or particle pollution (soot)-the most common air pollutants that can cause asthma attacks, heart attacks, developmental and reproductive harm, and even premature death. In addition, particle pollution has specifically been found to cause lung cancer. The "State of the Air" report highlights whether the air in cities across [State] is safe to breathe, and what might be done to improve air quality and protect public health, especially for those more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution – including youth, older adults and those living with lung or heart disease.

WHERE: New findings from the "State of the Air" report will be available at Lung.org/sota following the launch.

WHO: Health and public policy experts are available for media interviews to discuss the report findings, the health impacts of air pollution and actions needed to improve air quality.

HOW: To learn more about the report findings, contact Ken Fletcher, at Ken.Fletcher@lung.org or 248-220-5213 starting Monday, April 16. An embargoed copy of the print report and embargoed interviews are available for members of the media before April 18th.

PRE-RELEASE INTERVIEWS ARE AVAILABLE NOW