As part of our ongoing interview series with members of the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health, we caught up with Hakon Matson, Commissioner and Chief Sustainability Officer of Elevance Health. In this Q&A, he discusses the health risks posed by climate change-induced air quality deterioration and offers advice on how employers can mitigate these risks through proactive policies and employee education.

What is the relationship between climate change and the quality of air we breathe?

Climate-driven changes in our weather, including higher temperatures and lower precipitation, are having a negative impact on air quality in the U.S. We’re experiencing extended periods of extreme temperatures and drought that are triggering more frequent and larger wildfires. The resulting smoke can carry harmful pollutants hundreds of miles.

We also know that warmer temperatures and higher CO₂ levels in the atmosphere can increase pollen production, exacerbating allergies and asthma. Increased temperatures can also accelerate the chemical reactions that produce ozone at ground level, which can reduce lung function and cause other respiratory issues.

The American Lung Association “State of the Air” 2024 report found that despite decades of progress cleaning up air pollution, 39% of people living in America — 131.2 million people — currently live in places with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.

What do we know about the impact reduced air quality from climate change is having on human health?

Smoke, ground-level ozone, and other pollutants can have a wide range of impacts on our health, from eye and throat irritation to life-threatening complications. One area many people may not think about is cardiovascular health. The particulate matter from wildfires, which are thinner than a human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The reality is that the research in this area is limited — there’s still much more we need to understand. At Elevance Health, we have finalized and are in the process of publishing a study examining the impact of air pollution events caused by wildfire smoke on California youth respiratory health outcomes. We plan to build upon the research to examine expanded geographies including a larger U.S. population.

What are the implications for the U.S. workforce?

Outdoor workers across multiple industries including construction, transportation, agriculture, firefighting, and emergency response are more vulnerable to the risks of reduced air quality. The level of risk and severity of impact can vary depending on the physical demand of the work performed, an individual’s existing state of health, and the type of protections companies may provide.  

But many employers don’t realize that indoor workers are also at risk. According to the American Lung Association, indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than typical outdoor levels. This is significant since most people spend 90% of their time indoors. For companies, poor indoor air quality can lead to increased healthcare costs, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.

It’s important for companies to assess how the risks to employees may vary across their workforce.

What advice do you have for employers to mitigate air quality health risks?

First, I would recommend that all companies establish an air quality policy that includes regular monitoring of both outdoor and indoor workplaces. We’ve implemented this for our facilities at Elevance Health.

Companies should also have robust business continuity programs in place that account for impacts from climate-related events including area wide air quality issues. I recommend that companies establish an employee accountability system that tracks climate-related events and proactively communicates with impacted employees.

Finally, I think there is a huge opportunity for employee education and awareness programs leveraging resources developed by organizations including the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health. Employees should be familiar with the Air Quality Index and know how to sign up for free alerts from the various weather alerts or government programs including AirNow.gov.

How do you think about the relationship between protecting employee health and your company’s sustainability efforts?

I feel very fortunate to lead sustainability for a company whose stated purpose is to improve the health of humanity. At Elevance Health, we recognize that environmental health and human health are inextricably linked. As we’ve shared in our Advancing Health Together Report, 80% of what drives human health happens outside the doctor’s office. Health is the result of our daily experiences and circumstances, from what we eat and drink to where we live and work to the air we breathe. That’s why we approach sustainability with a constant focus on how our company impacts whole health.

Hakon Mattson serves as Chief Sustainability Officer at Elevance Health, where he is responsible for driving sustainability strategy that advances whole health and health equity. He leads Elevance Health’s environmental, social, and governance practice to include strategic alignment, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Under Mattson’s leadership, Elevance Health became one of the first major healthcare companies that is carbon-neutral for operations.

Air Quality Tip Sheets for Employers & Workers

The Health Action Alliance offers two resources to help protect workers from the dangers of unhealthy air quality.

“Protecting Your Employees From Unhealthy Air Quality” is a tip sheet for employers that outlines the health and business risks of poor air quality and offers guidance on developing an air quality plan for your workplace.

“Protecting Yourself From Unhealthy Air Quality” is a tip sheet for workers, packed with practical advice on staying safe when air quality is low.

The Commission encourages employers to share these resources with their teams and find ways to enhance health and safety at their organizations.