BREATHE EASY, PHILLY, because our air quality is on the up and up. WHY IT MATTERS: Long-term exposure to poor air quality is harmful to your health. STATE OF PLAY: The average percentage of

fine particle pollution in the Philadelphia region decreased by 15.7% from 2021-23, compared to 2014-16. THE BIG PICTURE: Philly is among the 62% of U.S. metro areas that saw improved air

quality during that time, as measured by fine particle pollution. BETWEEN THE LINES: While tracking fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a helpful indicator of air pollution and a major factor

in air quality index scores, it doesn't account for all variables. _Go deeper_