The American Lung Association reports Lexington County residents aren’t breathing the cleanest air.

The association’s 2019 “State of the Air” report found South Carolina has mixed rankings for the nation’s most widespread air pollutants.

The annual air quality “report card” tracks Americans’ exposure to unhealthful levels of ozone or particle pollution. Both can be deadly.

Lexington County received a “C” on the report card.

The 20th annual report found Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Charleston had the worst ozone pollution since the 2016 report.

“South Carolina residents should be aware that we’re breathing unhealthy air, driven by extreme heat as a result of climate change, placing our health and lives at risk,” said American Lung Association Director of Advocacy June Deen.

“In addition to challenges here in South Carolina, the 20th-anniversary ‘State of the Air’ report highlights that more than 4 in 10 Americans are living with unhealthy air.

“We’re heading in the wrong direction when it comes to protecting public health.”

This year’s report covers the most recent quality-assured data available collected by states, cities, counties, tribes and federal agencies in 2015-2017.

Those 3 years were the hottest recorded in global history.

The ALA suggests people drive less, use less electricity and don’t burn wood or trash to help improve air quality.