Greta Jimenez
Pollution is a pressing issue that affects the lives of millions of people in the United States. While air quality has improved nationally since 1980, with a 78% decrease in the six principal air pollutants between 1970 and 2023, certain states and cities continue to be plagued by harmful levels of pollution. This is primarily due to industrial activities, power plants, and manufacturing, which contribute to the emission of toxic fumes and waste. As a result, vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and people with lung diseases, face serious health risks, such as asthma attacks, impaired lung development, and other adverse effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people affected by pollution in the US | 140 million |
| Number of people living in counties with poor air quality | 156 million |
| Number of people living in counties with poor air quality in all three measures | 42 million |
| States with high air pollution | Ohio, Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, and Delaware |
| States with declining air pollution | Florida, Michigan |
| Industries contributing to air pollution | Manufacturing, electricity generation, chemical, coal, oil, shipping, vehicle use, and construction |
| Health risks associated with air pollution | Asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, mesothelioma, heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory conditions |
| Vulnerable populations | Children, older adults, people with lung diseases, people of color, and people with lower incomes |
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What You'll Learn
- Climate change increases particle pollution from wildfires
- People of colour and those with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by air pollution
- States like Florida have shifted from coal to natural gas, reducing pollution
- States with declining manufacturing, like Michigan, experience less pollution
- Texas ranks first for violating water pollution rules
Climate change increases particle pollution from wildfires
Climate change, wildfires, and air pollution are closely linked and have a spiralling negative impact on human health, ecosystems, and agriculture. Wildfires are one of the largest sources of black carbon, a super pollutant that contributes to global warming, intensifies heatwaves, alters weather patterns, and accelerates the melting of ice and snow. Climate change increases the likelihood of wildfires by causing erratic weather patterns and exacerbating drought conditions, which make forests more vulnerable to fires.
The relationship between climate change and wildfires is a vicious cycle. The East Siberian wildfires, for instance, led to elevated black carbon levels in the Arctic between 2019 and 2021, and the Amazonian fires increased glacier melting by 3-4%. Similarly, the 2023 wildfires in Chile, which claimed 137 lives and caused $4.39 billion in damage, were fuelled by high temperatures, winds, and a decade-long drought. The fires led to increased levels of all air pollutants, including ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and PM2.5, causing a state of environmental emergency in the country.
In 2023, the United States emitted about 66 million tons of pollution into the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of ozone and particles, the deposition of acids, and visibility impairment. Wildfires in Canada in the same year caused an unprecedented blanket of smoke that drove levels of ozone and particle pollution in dozens of central and eastern states in the US higher than they had been in many years. Los Angeles, in particular, has consistently ranked as the city with the worst ozone pollution in the nation.
The impact of wildfires and air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, people with lung diseases, people of colour, and people with lower incomes. Particulate matter can also reduce crop yields by up to 15% in highly polluted areas, affecting agriculture and food security.
To break this vicious cycle, governments need to take a joined-up approach that addresses the interconnectedness between climate change, air pollution, and wildfires. By focusing on reducing super pollutants like black carbon, policymakers can offer vital solutions to combat both the climate crisis and the harmful effects of pollution on human health and the environment. Additionally, interdisciplinary science and research are key to finding effective solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and wildfires on air pollution.
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People of colour and those with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by air pollution
While several US states, including Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Texas, have been affected by pollution, it is important to acknowledge that people of colour and those with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by air pollution. This disparity is evident across various states, urban and rural areas, and income levels.
Numerous studies have confirmed the existence of racial and ethnic disparities in the impact of air pollution. Research conducted by the American Lung Association revealed that non-white populations, particularly Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, face a higher risk of premature death from particle pollution compared to whites. This disparity persists even when controlling for income, as higher-income Blacks still face a greater risk than lower-income whites. Additionally, due to decades of residential segregation, African Americans often reside in areas with greater exposure to air pollution.
A 2008 study of Washington, DC, found a correlation between poor air quality and worsened asthma in areas with high Medicaid enrollment. Similarly, a 2016 study of New Jersey residents showed that communities with larger African American populations, lower home values, and lower median incomes had a higher risk of early death from long-term particle pollution exposure. These findings align with those of studies conducted in Atlanta, GA, which linked particle pollution to increased asthma attacks in zip codes with high poverty rates and among individuals eligible for Medicaid.
Furthermore, a study published in the journal Nature in 2022 utilized 17 years of demographic data and fine particulate pollution information to visualize the stark disparities in air pollution exposure among racial/ethnic and income groups in the US. The study highlighted that areas with overrepresented Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Latino populations consistently experienced higher average PM2.5 levels than regions with predominantly white and Native American populations.
The EPA's analysis of data from the National Emissions Inventory also revealed racial-ethnic disparities across almost all major emission categories. People of colour experienced greater than average exposures from source types responsible for 75% of overall exposure, while white people were exposed to lower than average concentrations from emission sources accounting for 60% of overall exposure.
These findings underscore the critical need to address environmental injustices and design regulations that effectively mitigate air pollution exposure disparities, ensuring equal protection for all people from environmental hazards.
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States like Florida have shifted from coal to natural gas, reducing pollution
Air pollution is a pressing issue in the United States, with millions of people, especially children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions, being vulnerable to its harmful health effects. Climate change, exacerbated by carbon emissions, further intensifies the problem by creating conditions that promote ozone pollution and increase the frequency of wildfires, which release dangerous particle pollutants.
While some states continue to struggle with high levels of pollution, others have made significant strides in reducing it. Notably, states like Florida have proactively shifted from coal to natural gas, resulting in a notable decrease in pollution levels. This transition is part of a broader trend, with more than 100 coal-fired plants across the United States being replaced or converted to natural gas since 2011. Florida's shift to natural gas is driven by several factors, including stricter emission standards, low natural gas prices, and advancements in natural gas turbine technology.
Florida is not alone in its efforts to reduce pollution. Other states, such as Michigan, have experienced a decline in manufacturing, which has inadvertently led to lower pollution levels. Additionally, states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas have witnessed substantial declines in coal-fired capacity, with natural gas and renewable sources like wind and solar becoming their primary sources of electricity generation.
The transition from coal to natural gas has had tangible benefits for Florida. The state has seen a reduction in its pollution rankings, indicating that the shift to less polluting energy sources has had a positive impact on air quality. This aligns with the broader trend of states that have proactively adopted renewable energy sources, contributing to a decrease in carbon emissions and other harmful pollutants.
While Florida's shift from coal to natural gas has yielded positive results, it is essential to acknowledge that natural gas is still a fossil fuel. To achieve more significant reductions in carbon emissions and combat climate change effectively, a comprehensive transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is necessary. Nevertheless, Florida's success in reducing pollution through its shift from coal serves as a valuable example for other states aiming to improve their air quality and protect the health and well-being of their residents.
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States with declining manufacturing, like Michigan, experience less pollution
While some states in the US continue to experience high levels of pollution, there are others that are witnessing a decline in industrial pollution. States with declining manufacturing, like Michigan, experience less pollution due to a variety of factors, including the closure of manufacturing plants, shifts to renewable energy sources, and stricter environmental regulations.
Michigan, for example, has seen a decrease in pollution levels due to a decline in manufacturing. This trend is not unique to Michigan, as other states have also experienced similar shifts. The closure of manufacturing plants can lead to a reduction in pollution emissions, especially in states that were once heavily dependent on manufacturing industries. Additionally, states that transition from coal to natural gas, such as Florida, contribute to lower pollution levels.
The shift towards renewable energy sources has played a significant role in reducing air pollution in some states. Governments have implemented policies and regulations to promote the use of green energy, recognizing the urgency to reduce carbon footprints and address climate change. This transition has helped states cut carbon emissions and improve air quality for their residents.
Stricter environmental regulations have also contributed to the decline in pollution from manufacturing. Federal and state agencies have required firms to limit their pollution footprint by adopting pollution abatement technologies. The NOx Budget Trading Program, for instance, is a cap-and-trade system for manufacturing plants and electricity generation units that has led to substantial reductions in pollution emissions.
While productivity growth and trade can influence pollution levels, research suggests that environmental regulation is the primary driver of the decrease in pollution emissions from US manufacturing. The implicit pollution tax that manufacturers face has doubled between 1990 and 2008, providing further incentive for manufacturers to reduce their pollution output.
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Texas ranks first for violating water pollution rules
The TCEQ has been criticised for its lax enforcement of air and water pollution standards, with one spokesperson for the organisation claiming that it "routinely monitors" data submitted by companies for violations. However, the TCEQ has been accused of not doing enough to protect the state's water, with industrial facilities exceeding pollution limits 938 times over 21 months in 2016 and 2017—the highest in the nation.
Texas's poor performance in terms of water pollution may be due to the large number of industrial facilities in the state. Additionally, there is a disparity in the enforcement of pollution regulations between large corporate polluters and small businesses. For example, refineries and petrochemical plants with the resources to fight fines are rarely penalised for emitting harmful pollutants, while immigrant mom-and-pop gas station owners are fined for minor record-keeping violations.
Texas is not the only state to struggle with industrial air pollution. Ohio and Kentucky top the list of the most polluted states, with Columbus, Ohio, being the most polluted state overall. However, some states, like Florida and Michigan, have seen a decline in pollution due to a shift from coal to natural gas and a decrease in manufacturing, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
All states in the US have been affected by pollution. However, some states are more polluted than others.
Columbus, Ohio, is the most polluted state in the US.
Los Angeles has the worst ozone pollution in the US.
Pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable people, including children, older adults, and people with lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. People of color and those with lower incomes are also at higher risk of illness due to pollution.
