Bucks County (Credit: Bucks County)
American Lung Association cites stagnant progress, warns of future risks
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Bucks County has once again received a failing grade for ozone pollution in the American Lung Association’s 2026 “State of the Air” report, placing it among the worst-performing counties in Pennsylvania.
The report, according to PhillyBurbs, found 17 high ozone days between 2022 and 2024, most of which were considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, with one day reaching levels unhealthy for the general population.
That total ranked Bucks second among counties in the state with available data.
While ozone levels have improved significantly since the 1990s, progress has stalled in recent years, according to the report. Ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog, forms when pollutants from sources like vehicles and industry react with sunlight. Exposure can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for those with asthma, older adults and people who spend time outdoors, per PhillyBurbs.com.
The report also highlighted potential future concerns, including the growth of energy-intensive data centers, which could increase pollution due to higher electricity demand. In Bucks County, a planned Amazon data center is expected to drive a significant portion of future energy load, much of which is still generated by fossil fuels, raising concerns about additional emissions .
Health experts recommend limiting outdoor activity during high ozone days and checking air quality forecasts, particularly during hot, sunny conditions when smog levels tend to rise. The report also encourages residents to engage with policymakers on environmental protections as concerns about air quality persist.
