The Arizona Valley is among the worst metros in the country for ozone pollution, putting the health of nearly 1.4 million children and teenagers at risk. The American Lung Association's 2026 "State of the Air" report also highlighted the vulnerability of infants, children, and teens exposed to smog during childhood, which has been linked to reduced lung growth, asthma, and increased risk of respiratory diseases. The report comes after the EPA decided not to punish Maricopa County for failing to meet federal ozone standards. The high ozone levels are partly caused by international pollutants outside of our control.