health
March 14, 2026
Trump policies set to increase rates of lung disease and death, study finds
Experts warn of ‘attack on Americans’ lungs’ from cuts to health programs, environmental rollbacks and other plans
TL;DR
- A study by pulmonary specialists and public health experts predicts soaring rates of lung disease and premature death due to Trump's policies.
- Key concerns include significant cuts to health programs, weakened environmental regulations, and reduced workplace protections.
- The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) slashed over $1tn from health programs, potentially jeopardizing care for millions relying on Medicaid.
- Rollbacks in air pollution standards are expected to increase asthma cases and respiratory hospitalizations.
- Delayed workplace protections for coal miners and cuts to public health funding are also identified as risks.
- The study suggests these harmful policies could compound, leaving individuals vulnerable to multiple health threats.
- While lung disease affects all socioeconomic groups, working-class people, the poor, and Black communities are expected to suffer the most.
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