Bronte Wells
Jacksonville, Florida, has historically been known as one of the most polluted cities in the United States. In 2019, it was ranked as the 9th most polluted city in Florida, with ozone and PM2.5 being the primary pollutants of concern. The city's dense population, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and climate conditions have all contributed to elevated pollution levels. However, recent reports indicate that Jacksonville's air quality has improved, receiving an A grade for ozone levels and showing a passing rating for pollution control from the American Lung Association. While daily fluctuations in pollution can still trigger respiratory issues, the city's efforts to reduce pollution and address climate change are making a positive impact on the environment and public health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) rating in 2019 | 37 ("good") |
| AQI rating in 2018 | 30 |
| AQI rating in 2017 | 22 |
| Ranking in Florida in 2019 | 9th most polluted city |
| Number of people put at risk by unhealthy air pollution | Nearly half a million |
| Number with asthma | 80,660 |
| Number with heart and lung disease | 124,618 |
| Number of children | 214,676 |
| Number of adults over 65 | 133,483 |
| Number of "orange" days of unhealthy ozone in 2019 | 1 |
| Number of "orange" days of unhealthy PM2.5 in 2019 | 1 |
| Ranking for high ozone days | 153 out of 228 metropolitan areas |
| Population rank in Florida | 1st |
| Population rank in the US | 12th |
| Air pollutant affecting the largest number of people nationwide | Ozone |
| Jacksonville's ozone grade | "A" |
| Number of bad ozone days in 2000 | 15 |
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What You'll Learn
- Jacksonville's air quality is currently moderate, but sensitive groups are at risk
- The city has shown improvement since 2000, when it had 15 days of bad ozone levels
- Vehicle emissions, non-road fuel combustion, and port industry contribute to pollution
- Jacksonville's large population and density make pollution levels higher and more concentrated
- Communities of colour are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air
Jacksonville's air quality is currently moderate, but sensitive groups are at risk
Jacksonville, Florida, has improved its air quality in recent years, but sensitive groups remain at risk of adverse health effects due to moderate pollution levels. While the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently rated as "moderate," indicating generally acceptable air quality, certain vulnerable individuals may still experience health issues.
The AQI is a crucial indicator of air quality, and in 2019, Jacksonville's average AQI rating was 37, considered "good." This showed an improvement from 2018 (AQI 30) and 2017 (AQI 22). However, it's important to note that daily fluctuations can lead to pollution events causing respiratory issues, asthma attacks, and hospitalizations.
Jacksonville's dense population, ranking as the most populous city in Florida and the 12th most populous in the US, significantly contributes to air pollution. Vehicle emissions from a large number of cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as non-mobile combustion sources like construction and industrial machines, result in elevated pollution levels. On-road mobile sources account for up to 40-50% of an urban area's pollution emissions, according to estimates.
Despite overall improvements, certain sensitive groups are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution in Jacksonville. This includes individuals with asthma, heart and lung disease, children, and adults over 65. In total, nearly half a million sensitive individuals in Jacksonville and Duval County are at risk of acute health effects due to periods of unhealthy air pollution.
To protect their health, sensitive groups should monitor Jacksonville's air quality forecast and take precautionary measures during periods of increased pollution. Reducing outdoor activities and limiting time spent outside during high-pollution days can help minimize exposure and potential health risks.
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The city has shown improvement since 2000, when it had 15 days of bad ozone levels
Jacksonville, Florida, has made significant strides in improving its air quality since the year 2000, when it experienced 15 days of poor ozone levels. In 2024, the city received an ""A"" rating for ozone, indicating no unhealthy days, a remarkable turnaround from its previous struggles with air pollution. This improvement is attributed to the Clean Air Act of 1970, which played a crucial role in regulating air emissions and establishing national air quality standards.
Jacksonville's journey towards cleaner air is especially notable given its history with pollution. Once notorious for the visible impact of soot on women's nylon hosiery in 1949, the city has faced ongoing challenges with air quality due to its dense population and the resulting vehicle emissions. As the most populous city in Florida and the 12th most populous in the entire US, Jacksonville grapples with higher concentrations of pollutants from cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as non-mobile sources like construction and industrial machinery.
Despite these challenges, the city has made tangible progress. In 2019, Jacksonville's air quality averaged an Air Quality Index (AQI) rating of 37, deemed "good", although this marked an increase from the previous two years. Notably, the city experienced only one day of unhealthy ozone levels and one day of unhealthy PM2.5 levels, leading to an overall passing rating from the American Lung Association. This stands in contrast to the broader trend in Florida, where most cities have shown improvements in air quality.
While Jacksonville's air quality is generally considered acceptable, it can still pose risks to sensitive groups, including those with asthma, heart and lung disease, children, and adults over 65. On certain days, these individuals may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation, underscoring the importance of monitoring air pollution data and taking precautionary measures to minimize exposure when necessary.
Looking forward, there is a growing call for stronger national limits on ozone pollution. Climate change threatens to exacerbate air pollution by creating conditions that promote ozone formation. By advocating for stricter regulations and continuing to monitor air quality, Jacksonville can maintain its positive trajectory and safeguard the health and well-being of its diverse communities.
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Vehicle emissions, non-road fuel combustion, and port industry contribute to pollution
Jacksonville, Florida, is the largest city in the state by population and land area. With over 900,000 residents, the city faces challenges in maintaining good air and water quality. While Florida does not require vehicle emissions tests for registered vehicles, vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in Jacksonville. The abolition of emissions test requirements in the 1990s means that, despite meeting Federal Clean-Air standards, there is no mandatory check on vehicle emissions in the state. As a result, vehicle emissions continue to impact the city's air quality.
Non-road fuel combustion also plays a role in Jacksonville's pollution levels. While specific data on this is limited, non-road fuel combustion can include activities such as boating, the use of lawnmowers and other gardening equipment, and the use of generators. These activities can emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, contributing to the overall degradation of air quality.
The port industry in Jacksonville has been associated with water pollution. A 2018 report by Environment Florida highlighted that wastewater from industrial sites near the St. Johns River exceeded permitted limits for various pollutants, including fecal bacteria, oil and grease, nickel, copper, and toxicity. These exceedances can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and the overall health of the river ecosystem.
Additionally, industrial activities in the area have led to violations of effluent standards. For example, the Naval Station Mayport was reported to have had a dozen exceedances of pollution standards, including fecal bacteria, oil and grease, and acid toxicity. These issues highlight the challenges Jacksonville faces in balancing industrial development and environmental protection.
While Florida provides air pollution and ozone warnings to the public, the absence of mandatory vehicle emissions testing and the challenges with industrial pollution contribute to the overall pollution levels in Jacksonville. Addressing these issues through stricter regulations, enforcement of standards, and the promotion of clean and sustainable practices could help improve the city's environmental resilience and the health of its residents.
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Jacksonville's large population and density make pollution levels higher and more concentrated
Jacksonville, Florida, has made significant strides in improving its air quality in recent years, shedding its historical reputation as one of the most polluted cities in the country. However, the city's large population and density remain critical factors contributing to higher and more concentrated pollution levels.
As the most populous city in Florida and the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville's high population density exacerbates its pollution challenges. The sheer number of people living and working in the city increases the demand for transportation, energy, and industrial activities, all of which can be significant sources of pollution.
One of the primary sources of pollution in Jacksonville is vehicular emissions. With a large number of cars, trucks, and SUVs on the road, the city experiences higher levels of vehicle emissions compared to less populated or rural areas. These emissions contribute significantly to the city's air pollution, particularly in the form of ozone and particulate matter (PM2.5).
In addition to vehicle emissions, non-road fuel combustion and port industry activities also play a role in Jacksonville's pollution levels. The city's industrial and construction sectors, made possible by its large population and economic activity, contribute to non-mobile combustion sources of pollution. These sources, along with the warm temperatures and stagnant air often present in the area, create an environment conducive to the formation of ozone, a pollutant that affects a large number of people nationwide.
The high population density in Jacksonville also means that a larger number of people are exposed to the health risks associated with air pollution. Sensitive individuals, including those with asthma, heart and lung disease, children, and adults over 65, are particularly vulnerable to the acute health effects of pollution. While daily pollution spikes have been rare in Jacksonville, even moderate levels of air pollution can impact the health of these vulnerable populations.
To protect the health of its residents and continue improving air quality, Jacksonville must address the pollution sources unique to densely populated urban areas. This includes implementing measures to reduce vehicle emissions, regulate industrial activities, and promote sustainable practices that can help mitigate the impact of the city's large population and density on its pollution levels.
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Communities of colour are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air
Jacksonville, Florida, has historically been known as one of the most polluted cities in the country. However, in recent years, it has improved its particle pollution and is now considered one of the cleanest communities for ozone, receiving an “A” grade in the American Lung Association's 2024 "State of the Air" report. Despite these improvements, communities of colour in Jacksonville are still disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air and are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
According to the 2024 "State of the Air" report, more than 131 million people in the United States live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. People of colour make up a significant proportion of this population, with nearly 54% of the 119.6 million people living in counties with failing grades for air pollution being people of colour. This disparity is even more pronounced in counties with failing grades for all three pollution measures, where 72% of the affected residents are people of colour.
The Clean Air Act of 1970 has been credited with improving air quality in Jacksonville and across the country by regulating air emissions and establishing national air quality standards. However, climate change continues to be a significant challenge, creating conditions that make ozone more likely to form and increasing pollution levels. Additionally, budget cuts and reductions in federal funding for environmental justice programs have impacted the ability to ensure clean air for all communities.
Hispanic people in Jacksonville are nearly three times as likely as white people to live in communities with failing grades for all three pollution measures. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including the proximity of communities of colour to sources of pollution, such as industrial sites and major roadways. Additionally, racial minorities are more likely to live with chronic conditions that make them more vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution, including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
To address these disparities and improve air quality in Jacksonville, it is crucial to support and defend the work of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has played a vital role in reducing pollution and expanding public understanding of air pollution. By advocating for stronger national limits on ozone pollution and addressing the impact of climate change on air quality, we can work towards ensuring that all communities in Jacksonville have access to clean and healthy air.
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Frequently asked questions
Jacksonville's air quality averaged an Air Quality Index (AQI) rating of 37 ("good") in 2019. This showed an increase from 2018 (AQI 30) and 2017 (AQI 22).
Vehicular emissions from the city's large population, non-road fuel combustion, and port industry contribute to Jacksonville's ozone pollution.
Jacksonville's pollution puts nearly half a million sensitive individuals at risk for acute health effects. This includes those with asthma, heart and lung disease, children, and adults over 65.
Jacksonville had a historical reputation as one of the most polluted cities in the country. In 1949, soot from Jacksonville's smokestacks was blamed for women's nylon hosiery dissolving on their legs.
The Clean Air Act of 1970 has helped regulate air emissions and improve air quality in Jacksonville. Additionally, the American Lung Association has been advocating for stronger national limits on ozone pollution.
