To the editor:

It’s a relief to see that ozone levels in Suffolk have improved in this year’s State of the Air report published by the American Lung Association, as reported in “Suffolk’s air grade improves” (5/1/2015).

But that doesn’t mean the fight for healthy air is over. With almost 2,000 children in Suffolk suffering from asthma, it’s critical that we continue to take steps to improve the air we breathe and reduce the harmful effects caused by breathing ozone pollution, not only for these children, but for everyone in harm’s way.

Someone in nearly every family would benefit from a more protective ozone standard. If you enjoy jogging or exercising outdoors; have asthma, COPD or other lung ailments; or have children or older adults in your family, then ozone pollution is a personal issue that can’t be ignored.

Yet, the present national standard for ozone pollution is woefully out of date and does not protect the health of those who need it most. We’ve made great progress, but we’re not there yet. We need EPA to adopt a stronger ozone standard to protect everyone.

A healthier tomorrow relies on our actions today.

Jennifer Kaufer

American Lung Association in Virginia