Helena Joyce
Los Angeles, California, is known for its poor air quality, which is a serious health hazard. The city has some of the worst air quality in the United States, with high levels of ozone and particle pollution. According to the American Lung Association, Los Angeles/Long Beach ranks first in ozone pollution among all metropolitan areas in the country. The combination of warm weather and harmful pollutants from fuel emissions contributes to the poor air quality in the region. While wealthier areas like Beverly Hills have better air quality, working-class communities like South LA suffer from significantly higher air pollution. The pollution in Los Angeles has been linked to various health issues, including asthma attacks, lung problems, and an increased risk of lung cancer and heart attacks. Climate change and wildfires also play a role in exacerbating the city's air quality issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 46 |
| PM2.5 AQI | 46 |
| NO2 AQI | 3 |
| O3 AQI | 38 |
| CO AQI | n/a |
| Population | 4 million in LA, 6 million in the surrounding county |
| Number of vehicles | 6.5 million |
| Percentage of zero-emission vehicles | 1.4% in 2018, 25% by 2025, 100% by 2050 |
| Percentage of children with asthma | 10% |
| Overall risk of cancer | Increased by 900 per million |
| Percentage of Californians living in counties with unhealthy air quality | 90%-98% |
| Number of counties in South Coast Air Quality Management District that received F grades | 4 |
| Percentage of contribution of cars and trucks to carbon monoxide emissions | More than 50% |
| Correlation between poverty and proportion of non-white population | 0.77 |
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What You'll Learn
- Los Angeles has the worst ozone pollution in the US
- Climate change increases the risk of wildfires, which cause dangerous particle pollution
- Air pollution is a serious health threat that can trigger asthma attacks and harm lung development in children
- People of colour and people with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by air pollution
- Los Angeles has some of the worst air quality in the US
Los Angeles has the worst ozone pollution in the US
Los Angeles, California, is notorious for its smog, and the city currently does not meet the U.S. EPA's national air quality standards for ozone. According to the 2019 State of the Air report, Los Angeles has the worst ozone air pollution in the United States. The report compared data across 229 metropolitan areas, and Los Angeles ranked the highest for ozone pollution.
Ozone is a harmful gas pollutant formed when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and organic substances. Vehicle exhaust contains the nitrogen oxides and reactive organic substances needed to form ozone, so traffic is a leading source of ozone pollution. Warmer temperatures, dry conditions, less rainfall, higher frequencies of wind-blown dust, and wildfires fanned by the Santa Ana winds also contribute to higher ozone levels.
The health implications of ozone pollution are significant. Ozone can cause respiratory infections and inflammation, trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even lead to premature death. People of color and people with lower incomes are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air and are at higher risk for illness.
While Los Angeles has made progress in improving air quality over the last few decades, with reductions in L.A. air pollution of 10.6% from 2017 to 2018 and 11.8% from 2018 to 2019, the city continues to struggle with high levels of ozone pollution.
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Climate change increases the risk of wildfires, which cause dangerous particle pollution
Los Angeles, California, is prone to wildfires, which have become increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. In January 2025, the city experienced two large wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which spread rapidly, fuelled by strong Santa Ana winds, high temperatures, and dry vegetation. These fires destroyed over 16,000 structures and caused at least 28 fatalities.
Climate change has led to more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, and periods of dry weather in the region, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread. Human-induced climate change, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, has resulted in higher temperatures and a drier atmosphere, providing the perfect fuel for wildfires.
The impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Los Angeles is evident. The observational analysis shows that the frequency of atmospheric circulation patterns that strengthen Santa Ana wind events has increased, raising the risk of fire spread. Climate models suggest that the potential burned area in the Los Angeles region is substantially higher than it would be without climate change.
Wildfires themselves are a natural part of the local ecosystem, but when they come into contact with human habitation, they can be devastating. The 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles destroyed thousands of homes and caused tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Wildfires release smoke and dangerous particle pollution, which can have severe health impacts, including triggering asthma attacks, harming lung development in children, and increasing the risk of lung cancer.
To reduce the risk of wildfires and mitigate their impacts, policymakers must address climate change and air pollution. This includes taking steps to reduce the emission of heat-trapping gases and implementing measures to prevent ignitions, especially during periods of high fire risk. Additionally, adapting water systems to better support firefighting efforts in urban areas can help control wildfires before they spread uncontrollably.
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Air pollution is a serious health threat that can trigger asthma attacks and harm lung development in children
Air pollution is a serious health threat, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, where it can be difficult to escape poor air quality. The air quality in Los Angeles is currently rated as "good" or "acceptable", but it has previously reached levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, who are especially vulnerable to air pollution.
Children with asthma are at risk of experiencing asthma attacks triggered by air pollution. Pollutants irritate children's airways, causing them to swell and tighten, which results in breathing problems. Children with asthma who are exposed to air pollution may require increased medication to manage their symptoms. Furthermore, pollutants can make children more susceptible to upper respiratory infections, which can also trigger asthma flare-ups.
Even children without asthma are negatively impacted by air pollution. Their lungs are still developing, and exposure to pollutants can cause long-term damage, such as reduced lung function as they grow older. Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults because their airways are smaller and they breathe more rapidly, taking in more polluted air. They are also often closer to the ground, putting them at face level with car exhausts and cigarettes.
To protect children's health, it is important for parents to take steps to reduce their children's exposure to air pollution. This can include avoiding busy streets, walking on the side of the pavement furthest from the road, and avoiding smoky environments. Parents can also check air pollution forecasts and limit their children's outdoor activities on days when air quality is poor.
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People of colour and people with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by air pollution
Los Angeles is notorious for its smog, a combination of particle and ozone pollution. The city's air quality averages a US AQI rating of "moderate", but despite seemingly positive ratings, Los Angeles's air pollution is among the worst in the United States. The city's large population of 4 million, with another 6 million in the surrounding county, contributes significantly to its poor air quality.
Black Americans are exposed to more pollution from every type of source, including industry, agriculture, all manner of vehicles, construction, residential sources, and even emissions from restaurants. People of colour, including Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans, are exposed to more pollution from nearly every source. Nationwide, Black people are exposed to greater-than-average concentrations of a dangerous form of pollution known as PM 2.5.
In Los Angeles, the mixed-use nature of many lower-income neighbourhoods, with homes adjacent to industrial operations, is leading to demands for "environmental justice" by residents and community groups concerned about the threat of exposure to air toxics. Recent studies in the Netherlands have shown that children living near major roadways, particularly related to diesel particles, experience decreased lung function and increased respiratory illness. Asthma is more often reported in children living within 100 meters of a freeway. The number of children with asthma or other respiratory problems is growing, and it is essential to identify the role of diet, level of exercise, genetics, and other factors that could render certain children more susceptible to the chronic effects of air pollution.
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Los Angeles has some of the worst air quality in the US
Los Angeles has some of the worst air quality in the United States. The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report for 2025 found that over 42 million people live in counties that received an F for all three air pollution measures. Los Angeles County was among those counties, with the worst ozone pollution in the nation. The high temperatures, dry conditions, and harmful pollutants from fuel emissions in the Southern California region have made it especially susceptible to poor ozone levels. Climate change is also a contributing factor, as it creates conditions that favour ozone formation and make it more challenging to mitigate high ozone levels.
The health effects of air pollution are significant. Ozone pollution can irritate the lungs, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of lung cancer. Particle pollution, which includes wildfire smoke, is linked to premature death, heart attacks, strokes, and adverse birth outcomes. People of colour and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, putting them at a higher risk for illness. Additionally, those who work or exercise outdoors are at an increased risk of experiencing the detrimental effects of air pollution.
The air quality in Los Angeles varies day to day. On average, about one in four days are deemed "Unhealthy Air for Sensitive Groups," and approximately 8% of days are rated as having "Unhealthy Air." Only a small number of days are considered "Very Unhealthy." Conversely, over 90% of days in Los Angeles have acceptable to good air quality for most individuals. However, even on days with relatively good air quality, sensitive groups may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation with prolonged exposure.
The disparity in air quality within Los Angeles is notable, with wealthier areas like Beverly Hills enjoying better air quality than working-class communities such as South LA. This inequality underscores the social and environmental justice aspects of air pollution, as disadvantaged groups bear a disproportionate burden of its negative consequences. While Los Angeles has made improvements since 2000, air pollution remains a pressing issue that requires attention and action from policymakers and community members alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even be deadly. Breathing in particle pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and premature births.
Los Angeles has the worst ozone pollution in the U.S. due to a combination of warm weather and harmful pollutants from fuel emissions. Climate change is also increasing the risk of wildfires, whose smoke spreads dangerous particle pollution.
Los Angeles is among the worst counties for air pollution in the U.S. but is above average for life expectancy. However, the air quality in Los Angeles is better than in cities such as Manila, Beijing, New Delhi, and Lagos.
