Air pollution in parts of the United States has consistently gotten worse over the past few years according to air quality data.
The American Lung Association states that about 43.3% of the population or more than 4 in 10 Americans live in countries that have particle pollution and/or unhealthy ozone, both of them making indoor air quality worse and having substantial consequences for our health.
Even though a lot of states have better air quality than just a couple of years ago, pollution is exacerbated by escalating weather conditions in many cities. Changing rain patterns have caused a higher frequency of wildfires, while high temperatures have increased levels of ozone.
In this article, we’re going to review the most polluted states according to the State of Air 2019 report by the American Lung Association.
1. California
California is the most polluted state in the US. Six of the most polluted cities are located in California, with Fresno-Madera and Bakersfield being the two areas with the highest levels of particulate pollution. The worst ozone levels can be found in Los Angeles.
This is especially concerning when you take into consideration that California is the state with the largest population. However, this is one of the reasons why there are so many sources of air pollution. Industrial pollution and heavy automobile traffic account for a large share. Additionally, the number of forest fires is increasing since the weather is getting warmer and warmer.
2. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has consistently struggled with particle and ozone pollution. Five cities in Pennsylvania are among the 25 most polluted cities.
The state has been shaped by the long-standing coal industry, and as a result of this, the pollution of particulate matter has also increased. The good news is that pollution levels in this state are steadily decreasing due to the fact that using natural gas instead of coal is becoming more common.
3. Texas
The second most populated state in the US has two of the top 25 most polluted cities. Houston is the 17th most polluted city. The two major airports that are located in this region contribute to air pollution.
Moreover, the ‘point’ and ‘non-point’ sources are where the pollution in this state comes from. Point sources are stationary and large, such as large manufacturing facilities, oil refineries, and power plants, while the non-point consists of everything else, such as biogenic, on-road mobile, non-road mobile, and area sources.
4. Washington
Two cities in Washington are among the top 25 cities for short-term particle pollution. According to the Washington State Department of Health, most of the air pollution in this state comes from wood smoke, outdoor burning, and motor vehicles. Another thing that contributes to air pollution is wildfires, and equipment powered by diesel and gas.
5. Oregon
Four cities in Oregon can be found on the list of the 25 most polluted cities in the US, including Grants Pass and Medford. According to the Department of Environmental Quality, this is mainly a result of air toxins produced by industrial sources and motor vehicles. The main pollutants consist of benzene, diesel soot, and metals such as lead and manganese.
Final Thoughts
Air pollution is becoming a progressively significant issue that needs to be addressed urgently. Bad quality of the air can greatly impact our health, especially the health of vulnerable groups such as people with chronic illnesses and children. The more you know about air quality, the better you can avoid unhealthy and polluted places and situations.
Do you want to know the quality of the air you breathe? Download AirCare – our free mobile app that tracks air pollution from your pocket, and check out the AirCare blog!
