The Respiratory Cost of Urban Pollution in Houston

Houston's air quality poses significant health risks to its residents, particularly affecting lung health. The city ranks among the top ten U.S. metro areas with the least healthy air quality, with Harris County receiving failing grades due to high ozone levels. Some of my classmates would have to use inhalers more often, and even healthy people would complain of chest tightness after being outside for too long. It’s made me realize how much the environment around us shapes our health, and how important it is to push for cleaner air—especially for vulnerable communities who live closest to the sources of pollution.