American Cities Choking On Poor Air Quality

Air pollution is a pressing issue in the United States, with over 137 million Americans living in areas with poor air quality. People of colour are disproportionately affected, with 63% of the 44 million residents in counties with the worst air quality being people of colour. This disparity is even more pronounced when compared to white people, with people of colour 3.6 times more likely to live in a county with failing grades for all three pollutants. Wildfires, industrial facilities, and coal-powered power stations are major contributors to air pollution, with California, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles being some of the most polluted cities. The adverse effects of air pollution on health are well-documented, with respiratory issues, heart disease, and asthma being some of the most common consequences.

Los Angeles has the worst air quality in the US

Ozone is a gas pollutant formed when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and organic substances. Vehicle exhaust contains both the nitrogen oxides and reactive organic substances needed to form ozone, so traffic is frequently identified as a leading source of this pollutant. Like PM2.5, ozone can cause a range of health issues, from respiratory infections and inflammation to premature death. Together, PM2.5 and ozone form the smog that Los Angeles is often associated with. The summer months of June, July, and August tend to be more polluted due to drier conditions, less rainfall, higher temperatures, and a higher frequency of wind-blown dust and wildfires.

The greater Los Angeles county contains 9 of the 15 most polluted cities in the United States, according to the 2019 World Air Quality Report. In this same report, the city of Los Angeles ranked 82nd in the US out of 1,517 included cities. The air quality in Los Angeles has improved over the last 30 years due to amendments to the Clean Air Act, with reductions in LA air pollution of 10.6% from 2017 to 2018 and 11.8% from 2018 to 2019. However, despite these improvements, Los Angeles continues to struggle with poor air quality, with ozone levels remaining a significant issue.

Wildfires have also played a significant role in Los Angeles' poor air quality. The region's geography and weather conditions can trap smoke and pollution, causing a gradual accumulation of pollutants until emissions stop or the weather changes. These wildfires are fuelled by anthropogenic climate change, and the particles they produce can be up to ten times more harmful to human health than similar particles from other sources. When pollution from PM2.5 pollutants rises, medical centre admissions for asthma treatment increase by about 1%. However, when people inhale the particles from wildfires, admissions increase by tenfold.

Wildfires are a major cause of poor air quality

A report by NPR found that over 137 million Americans live in areas with poor air quality. This number represents over 40% of the US population. The report also found that people of colour were 3.6 times more likely to live in a county with poor air quality compared to white people. Overall, the US obtained an average annual ranking of 84 out of 106 world cities in terms of air quality in 2020.

The increase in wildfires is due to climate change, which is also making them burn hotter, faster, and longer. This is contributing to an increase in air pollution across the United States, with spikes in particle pollution and high ozone days related to wildfires putting millions more people at risk. While wildfires occur across the United States, the majority happen in the West, with all but one of the top 25 worst cities with particulate matter pollution located west of the Rocky Mountains.

The city of Los Angeles has been particularly affected by wildfires, with UCLA Health pulmonologist May-Lin Wilgus offering residents tips to stay safe from the hazardous air quality caused by wildfire smoke. Despite California's success in reducing pollution from automobiles, trucks, and power stations, the worsening wildfires are leading to increased air pollution in the state.

People of colour are more likely to be affected

A 2022 report by the American Lung Association found that over 137 million Americans live in areas with poor air quality. This number represents more than 40% of the US population. The report also revealed that Los Angeles had the worst levels of ozone in the country for 22 out of the past 23 years. California topped the pollution charts, with Fresno having the worst short-term particulate matter pollution, and 11 of the top 25 polluted cities in the state.

While poor air quality affects a large portion of the American population, it is important to recognize that the impact is not evenly distributed. People of colour are more likely to be affected by poor air quality and face higher health risks due to several factors. Firstly, people of colour are more likely to live in counties with higher levels of pollution. A 2021 study by researchers at the EPA-funded Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions found that people of colour breathe more particulate air pollution on average, regardless of income level or region. This includes African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and other racialized groups.

Secondly, pollution sources are often located near disadvantaged communities, which include people of colour, increasing their exposure to harmful pollutants. Power plants, industrial facilities, and transportation networks that contribute to air pollution are frequently situated closer to these communities. For example, cities like Pittsburgh have historically had poor air quality due to their industrial facilities, and similar patterns can be observed in other urban areas.

Additionally, socioeconomic factors play a role in the disproportionate impact of air pollution on people of colour. Low-income communities, which often overlap with racialized groups, may have limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, and quality jobs. They may also experience higher traffic exposure and live in dirtier environments, further exacerbating the health risks associated with air pollution.

The health implications of air pollution exposure are significant, particularly for vulnerable populations. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which is commonly found in areas with high air pollution, can cause lung and heart problems. It can also lead to cognitive impairments and increase the risk of developing conditions such as asthma and allergies, especially in young children. People of colour, who are more likely to be exposed to PM2.5 pollutants, face a disproportionate burden of these health issues.

Air pollution has various negative health impacts

A recent report by the American Lung Association found that over 137 million Americans—more than 40% of the population—live in areas with poor air quality. This figure rises to more than 156 million when considering those living in counties that received an F for either ozone or particle pollution. The problem is especially pronounced in the West, where the overwhelming majority of wildfires occur. Indeed, all but one of the top 25 worst cities with particulate matter pollution are west of the Rocky Mountains.

The main pathway of exposure from air pollution is through the respiratory tract. When pollutants are inhaled, they can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, is of particular concern as it can enter the bloodstream via the lungs and circulate throughout the body, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. This can lead to an increased risk of metabolic disorders, cognitive decline, and reproductive and developmental harm. Ozone (O3) is another significant pollutant, which can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems such as chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath.

The impact of air pollution extends beyond physical health. Practices such as redlining have led to the disproportionate exposure of communities of color to air pollution, contributing to higher rates of emergency department visits for asthma and other diseases. Additionally, air pollution has economic costs, with an estimated impact of around 5% of the total US GDP, or $790 billion in 2014.

The Clean Air Act has improved air quality

The Clean Air Act has been instrumental in improving air quality across the United States. Before the Clean Air Act was enacted, American cities were filled with toxic pollution, with smog so heavy that it was tangible. Unregulated industrialization and the increasing use of cars led to a dramatic increase in public exposure to dangerous pollutants.

The Clean Air Act, a comprehensive federal law, was passed in 1970 and has been amended several times since then to strengthen it. The Act has successfully driven pollution reduction for over 50 years, and its benefits are visible and tangible. Air quality improvements can be seen in the reduction of common pollutants such as particles, ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Between 1970 and 2020, emissions of these six common pollutants dropped by 78%.

The Clean Air Act has also played a crucial role in protecting public health and supporting the economy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the amendments made to the Act have prevented over 230,000 premature deaths by 2020, and a 2020 report found that the annual benefits of Clean Air Act programs prevented 370,000 premature deaths. Additionally, the Act has helped reduce health-care costs by decreasing environmentally related respiratory illnesses. The financial benefits of the Act are also significant, with the EPA estimating almost $2 trillion in benefits, far outweighing the $65 billion cost of implementing the measures.

While the Clean Air Act has led to significant improvements, air pollution remains a critical issue. In recent years, there has been an increase in harmful pollutants, particularly from wildfires, which are burning hotter, faster, and longer. More than 137 million people, or over 40% of Americans, live in areas with poor air quality, and people of color are disproportionately affected. As climate change enhances conditions for ozone pollution and makes it harder to clean up communities with high ozone levels, continued efforts to improve air quality are essential to protect public health, support the economy, and combat climate change.

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