Environmental Pollution and Public Health in the United States: Air Pollution as a Dominant and Unequal Health Risk

Abstract

Air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental threats to human health and a major contributor to climate change at the global level. Despite regulatory efforts, population exposure to harmful air pollutants continues to pose substantial public health risks, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized groups. This study adopts an integrative narrative review approach to synthesize existing epidemiologic, exposure, and policy-related evidence on air pollution. With emphasis on pollutant sources, exposure pathways, associated diseases, and affected populations. The review highlights fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone as dominant pollutants linked to respiratory, cardiovascular and systemic health outcomes, with effects observed across both short- and long-term exposure periods. Evidence consistently demonstrates disproportionate exposure and health burdens among children, older adults, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. By integrating health and climate perspectives, this manuscript underscores the importance of addressing air pollution as both a public health and environmental challenge. The findings support the need for evidence-based, adaptive, and equity-centered policies to mitigate health impacts and contribute to sustainable environmental and public health outcomes.