New report reveals that particle pollution has gotten worse in Richmond metro area

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A recent report from the American Lung Association (ALA) indicates that short-term particle pollution has worsened throughout the Richmond metro area over the last year.

According to the 2025 report, the Richmond region ranked 98th worst in the nation when it came to short-term spikes in particle pollution, which is higher than where the area sat in 2024 at 124th worst.

Particle pollution, also referred to as soot, is a mixture of microscopic particles of solids and liquids contained within the air people breathe, according to the ALA. It can be worsened through things like wildfire smoke and fuel emissions.

"The air pollutants highlighted in this report are widespread and pose a risk to everyone’s health," said Aleks Casper, a Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. "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."

Additionally, the report revealed that around half (46%) of people who reside in the U.S. are living in an area that has a failing grade for not only particle pollution, but for ozone pollution.

For more information about how pollution impacts people's health across the Commonwealth, as well as the country as a whole, click here.