Fairfield County Reports Worst Ozone Pollution in New England

Connecticut's 2025 'State of the Air' report from the American Lung Association highlights worsening air quality, particularly in Fairfield County, which remains among the top 25 most polluted U.S. counties for ozone and has the highest ozone pollution in New England. Most Connecticut counties received D or F grades for ozone, with Fairfield County experiencing over 20 unhealthy ozone days and Litchfield County seeing a sharp increase in unhealthy days for short-term particle pollution. The New Haven-Hartford-Waterbury metro area also saw declines, ranking 38th worst for ozone and 70th for particle pollution nationwide. Health experts warn these pollutants can trigger asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and disproportionately impact outdoor workers, unhoused populations, and those near highways or industrial sites. Compared to the rest of the state, Fairfield County has the highest rates of pediatric and adult asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite some improvement elsewhere, Connecticut's overall air quality has declined, increasing health risks for vulnerable populations.