Indoor Air Quality Takes Center Stage As Report Finds Nearly Half Of Americans Breathing Unhealthy Air

A new report from the American Lung Association has delivered troubling news: nearly 156 million Americans — almost half the U.S. population — are breathing unhealthy air.

The American Lung Association 2025 State of the Air report marks the worst air quality level recorded in the past decade, underscoring the growing threat of extreme heat, ozone pollution, and wildfires. While much attention has focused on outdoor air, experts are urging Americans not to overlook the air inside homes, schools and offices, where most people spend up to 90% of their time.

Ahead of Air Quality Awareness Week May 6–10, Audwin Cash, CEO of indoor air quality company GPS Air, issued a call to action on this often-overlooked issue.

“The American Lung Associations latest report is a wake-up call: nearly half of Americans are breathing unhealthy air, and that number is rising,” Cash said. “While outdoor pollution often makes headlines, we can’t forget that people spend 90% of their lives indoors — where air quality is just as critical but often overlooked.”

Cash emphasized that traditional solutions, like basic filtration, are no longer enough to safeguard indoor environments, especially as wildfires and climate-related pollution increase.

“Wildfires, extreme heat, and rising pollution are reshaping how we think about air. Basic filtration isnt enough anymore. We need intelligent systems that verify performance and help commercial spaces adapt to a changing world,” Cash said. “Air Quality Awareness Week gives us the chance to reset expectations: better indoor air isnt just good for health—its essential for the resilience and sustainability of our communities.”

GPS Air is offering practical recommendations to help building operators and facility managers improve air quality without compromising energy efficiency. Among their tips:

Combine air cleaning with smart sensors — instead of filling an indoor space with outside air — to improve indoor air quality and cut energy use at the same time. For larger buildings, integrate air cleaning technology with building controls to enable seamless adjustments and ensure optimal performance.

Use advanced sensors that measure not only CO2 (carbon dioxide) but also airborne particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde.

Prepare for pollution spikes in advance, by using systems that activate automatically during poor air quality events, such as wildfires or high-ozone days.

Balance energy efficiency and clean air, as smarter air cleaning technology allows buildings to use less outside air and still maintain safe, breathable conditions indoors.

With outdoor air quality challenges on the rise, GPS Air and other experts are highlighting indoor air as a critical frontier in protecting public health. Air Quality Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder that clean, healthy air should not stop at the door.