TOP NEWS
Cleaner Manufacturing Could Provide More than $1 Trillion in Public Health Benefits
If the nation’s manufacturing facilities powered their processes with clean technologies instead of oil, gas and other fossil fuels, American communities could see over $1 trillion in public health benefits by 2050. In addition, more than 77,200 pollution-related deaths, 33.2 million asthma attacks and 13 million lost school days could be avoided. These findings are outlined in our new report, “Clean Heat, Clean Air: Nationwide Health Benefits of Industrial Clean Heat Technologies,” which looks at industrial facilities that process food and beverages and manufacture paper products, textiles and other everyday products.
You can help: Sign our petition and let your governor know that you’re in support of clean heat technologies.
Lung Association Welcomes New National Board Members
Last month, we officially announced our 2025-2026 National Board of Directors, led by Board President David G. Hill, MD. Our National Board provides strategic and governance oversight to our organization. This year, we welcome three new board members:
- Denise Lee, attorney and lung cancer survivor
- Eddie Fisher, vice president of investments for Eddie Fisher Wealth Strategies of Raymond James
- Kathryn Blake, Pharm.D., director of the Center for Pharmacogenomics and Translational Research and principal research scientist at Nemours Children’s Health.
“We are honored to have incredible leaders across the country who are committed to advancing our mission, and the new board members who joined this year will provide invaluable experience to help guide our organization,” said Lung Association President & CEO Harold Wimmer. Read more.
RESEARCH
American Lung Association Research Institute Now Accepting Research Award Applications
The American Lung Association Research Institute remains steadfast in our mission to invest in promising research that can transform how we prevent, diagnose and treat lung disease. In a critical time for biomedical research, we are proud to announce the opening of our 2026-2027 Research Awards and Grants cycle, supporting innovative projects and the next generation of lung health researchers. These grants represent not only hope, but also a call to action to sustain scientific progress during the changing funding landscape. You are encouraged to share the linked information with interested researchers seeking funding for lung health research. Read more.
YOUR HEALTH
New Campaign Educates People About Lung Nodules
We recently launched a new campaign, in partnership with Olympus, about lung nodules. A lung nodule is a small, round mass that appears as a white spot on a chest X-ray or a CT Scan. Most lung nodules are benign (not cancerous); however, a person’s physician may order additional tests to determine the next steps. The new campaign and resources are shaped by the voices and experiences of people diagnosed with lung cancer and their caregivers across the country. The initiative comes in response to recent research conducted by the Lung Association, including surveys and focus groups, which found significant gaps in communication, understanding and finding support following the discovery of a lung nodule. Read more.
Study Highlights the Importance of Clean Air in Classrooms
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical component of a healthy learning environment. Poor IAQ in schools increases the spread of airborne illness, decreases academic performance, diminishes work productivity, and increases absenteeism. In partnership with Carrier and Lakes International Language Academy, the Lung Association conducted an IAQ assessment at one Minnesota School District. Findings and lessons learned from this assessment can be found in a newly published case study. Read more.
White Paper Highlights Urgent Need to Improve Hispanic Participation in Lung Cancer Clinical Trials
A new white paper, “Lung Cancer Clinical Trials: Addressing Hispanic Participation,” examines the significant under-enrollment of Hispanic patients in lung cancer clinical trials and outlines actionable steps to increase participation and improve access to care. Although Hispanic people make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population, they represent only 6% of clinical trial participants. The low number of enrollment limits access to the most advanced treatments and hinders research efforts aimed at improving treatment outcomes for everyone with lung cancer. The new research, part of the Lung Association’s Awareness, Trust and Action program, outlines key barriers to participation and offers practical, community-based solutions to ensure more patients can benefit from medical innovation. Read more.
ADVOCACY
EPA Actions Endanger Public Health
In recent weeks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced multiple decisions that threaten clean air progress—and that we are strongly advocating against—including:
- Plans to overturn the agency’s longstanding, landmark declaration that greenhouse gases are a danger to public health. The Endangerment Finding, based on extensive scientific research, is the foundation of U.S. climate policy, allowing for vehicle fuel emission standards and pollution regulations.
- Proposing to roll back vehicle emission standards.
FDA Authorizes Highly Addictive Juul, Responsible for Youth Vaping Epidemic
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing application for Juul menthol and tobacco flavored e-cigarettes—allowing the products to remain on the market in the United States. “Juul hooked a generation of kids on tobacco through flavored products, youth-targeted marketing and high-levels of nicotine,” said Harold Wimmer in a statement. “Ending the sale of Juul and all flavored e-cigarette products, including menthol, is the clear path to ending youth vaping for good.”
EACH BREATH BLOG
The Truth About How Vaccines Prevent Respiratory Diseases and Save Lives
Vaccines are one of the most effective public health interventions ever developed, significantly reducing the burden of infectious diseases, preventing outbreaks and saving millions of lives. During National Immunization Awareness Month, our new blog looks at the burden of respiratory diseases in the United States, including the flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal pneumonia and pertussis, and how vaccines can help lessen the health burden of respiratory viruses on families and communities. Read more.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
For over 120 years, we’ve been dedicated to making a difference and saving lives. Our efforts impact the more than 35 million people living in the United States with chronic lung disease, and millions more through our pioneering model of education, advocacy and research. Thank you for all you do to help us all breathe more easily! Visit Lung.org/get-involved to learn more about how you can make a difference.
Blog last updated: August 19, 2025
