American Lung

• The American Lung Association, joined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, filed a lawsuit against the EPA's repeal of 2024 limits on mercury and air toxics from power plants. • EPA's action will allow more toxic pollution, impacting children's health nationwide, according to Harold Wimmer, ALA President and CEO. • Pollutants like mercury could lead to brain development issues, asthma attacks, cancers, and premature deaths in exposed communities.

The American Lung Association's 24th annual State of Tobacco Control report warns of potential cuts to federal tobacco programs in 2026, as smoking remains the top preventable killer with 490,000 U.S. deaths yearly. Adult smoking rates fell to 11.6% in 2022 per CDC data, but policy changes could limit quitlines and youth protections. ALA CEO Harold Wimmer stated, 'These decisions directly affect whether people can access quitline counseling and kids are protected from next-generation products.' States are urged to bolster local efforts amid federal uncertainties.