The annual State of the Air Report by the American Lung Association was released on the 21st of April, or Earth Day. According to the report, the Los Angeles-Long Beach metropolitan area has the worst smog pollution in the United States.
State of the Air Report Findings
The report states that California retains its historic distinction of having the most cities on the list.
The LA-Long Beach area received failing grades for annual particle pollution, 24-hour particle pollution, and ozone. It was ranked fifth, eighth, and first in these categories, respectively. The Long Beach area had about 180 days of high ozone pollution since 2018, and it had the worst smog pollution overall.
Moreover, the State of the Air report states that inhaling ground-level ozone (smog) can cause shortness of breath, trigger asthma attacks and coughing, and can shorten life.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector is a huge contributor to the creation of ground-level ozone. Constant vehicle traffic in LA and Long Beach skies, in the ports, and on the freeways greatly contribute to the formation of smog and ozone layer depletion.
Another factor that contributes to air pollution in this area is the fact the LA area is also home to many industrial facilities and refineries.
The progress that we would have made throughout the years is undercut by climate change. Climate change, with its frequent stagnation events and higher temperatures, has a significant role in increasing the number of unhealthy ozone days.
The report said that three out of eight Americans live in areas that are highly polluted by smog. To protect yourself from the dangers of air pollution, the American Lung Association recommends choosing public transit, biking, or walking over gas-powered vehicles. Another recommendation is to avoid burning grass, wood, or leaves and to conserve energy.
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