Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a serious health threat in the United States, with 40% of Americans living in cities with polluted air. It can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even be deadly. Wildfires, fossil fuel usage, and vehicle emissions are major contributors to air pollution, with California being home to some of the most polluted cities in the US. To avoid polluted areas, individuals can check air quality forecasts and avoid outdoor activities when unhealthy air is expected. Understanding the sources of air pollution and taking steps to reduce emissions are crucial for improving air quality and protecting public health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Americans living in cities with polluted air | 40% (about 135 million) |
| Most polluted cities in the US | Bakersfield, Visalia, Fresno-Medera-Hanford, San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, Los Angeles-Long Beach, Medford-Grants Pass, etc. |
| States with the most polluted cities | California, Oregon |
| Causes of air pollution | Burning of fossil fuels in power plants and motor vehicles, high ozone and smog, wildfires, climate change-induced weather events, road dust, diesel exhaust, cookstoves, and backyard fires |
| Health risks of air pollution | Trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, increase risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, cause early death, strokes, and emergency room visits |
| Ways to reduce air pollution | Switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, use energy-efficient appliances, drive less, carpool, bike, bus, telecommute, use electric vehicles, keep your car in good repair |
| Ways to protect yourself from air pollution | Check the air quality forecast in your community, avoid exercising or working outdoors when unhealthy air is expected, sign up for alerts about elevated air pollution levels |
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What You'll Learn
- Avoid California, especially Bakersfield, Visalia, Fresno, and San Francisco
- Stay informed about air quality forecasts and local pollution levels
- Limit outdoor exercise or work when air quality is poor
- Avoid areas with high traffic volume, like Pittsburgh
- Be cautious of rural areas with forest fires, like Oregon
Avoid California, especially Bakersfield, Visalia, Fresno, and San Francisco
California is home to some of the most polluted cities in the United States. Bakersfield, for instance, has been called the worst-polluted city in America. This is due to emissions from oil refineries, agriculture, industry, rail freight, and road traffic, which together create one of the country's worst concentrations of air pollution. Kern County, which includes Bakersfield and the nearby city of Visalia, has the worst air pollution in the US according to the WHO's latest ambient air pollution database.
Visalia itself has been ranked the worst in the US for ozone and particle pollution, which can irritate the lungs, resulting in inflammation, and increase the risk of lung cancer. Particle pollution, which can be caused by emissions from vehicles, factories, and farming operations, is a deadly and growing threat to public health.
Fresno, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, is another major hub for the region's agricultural industry. It is also a confluence of several major state highways, including California State Route 99, which cuts straight through the city. These factors contribute to Fresno's consistent ranking as one of the most polluted cities in the US. The city has very high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Nox pollution, which are common pollutants that react with sunlight to form ozone. This secondary pollutant is especially harmful when inhaled, as it can irritate the airways and result in symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing.
While San Francisco generally enjoys good air quality for most of the year, there are some areas of the city with higher levels of pollution. The Outer Sunset neighbourhood, for instance, has been found to have high levels of particulate matter 2.5, which are tiny inhalable particles that can cause serious health problems. While the area does not have obvious pollution sources, some scientists suggest that the sensors could be detecting pollution related to nearby wastewater facilities or sea spray aerosol.
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Stay informed about air quality forecasts and local pollution levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale used to communicate daily air quality levels in the US. It is based on the density of five pollutants in the air: ground-level ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. An AQI reading over 100 will trigger an alert for vulnerable groups, including those with respiratory conditions, children and teens, the elderly, pregnant people, and those with lung or heart conditions. Levels over 300 will prompt alerts about very hazardous conditions for everyone.
There are several ways to stay informed about air quality forecasts and local pollution levels in the US. One way is to use the AirNow website and app, run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). AirNow provides an interactive map that shows the current air quality for ozone or PM (particulate matter) in your location. You can search for a specific address, zip code, state, or place name. The map also includes a Fire and Smoke map feature, which is particularly useful during wildfire season, as wildfires are a common cause of extended periods of unhealthy air.
Another source of air quality information is the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) website. NYSDEC provides daily AQI forecasts for ground-level ozone and particulate matter, based on EPA standards. They also offer educational resources and environmental justice programs to address the needs of disadvantaged communities.
In addition to these resources, there are other online tools and smartphone apps that provide real-time air pollution data for the United States. For example, aqicn.org offers a real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map for over 100 countries, including the US. These alternative sources of air pollution data may not directly correspond to the AQI, but they can still provide valuable information about the air quality in your area.
By regularly checking these sources and staying informed about air quality forecasts and local pollution levels, you can make informed decisions to protect your health and well-being, especially if you are part of a vulnerable group.
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Limit outdoor exercise or work when air quality is poor
Air pollution is a serious health threat, and it is important to limit outdoor exercise or work when air quality is poor. This is especially important for certain vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and people with lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. People of color and people with lower incomes are also disproportionately affected by air pollution.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a useful tool to determine whether it is safe to exercise outdoors. The AQI runs from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating greater levels of air pollution and greater health concerns. When the AQI exceeds 150, running outdoors may become risky, and individuals may experience respiratory issues such as coughing, dryness, and breathlessness. Fine particulate matter, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can travel long distances and infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream. These particles may not cause visible or olfactory changes in the air, so it is important to refer to the AQI rather than relying on sensory indicators.
On days with poor air quality, it is recommended to exercise indoors, especially if the AQI exceeds 100. If outdoor workouts are unavoidable, it is best to exercise early in the morning when air quality tends to be better and avoid areas with heavy traffic to minimize exposure to pollutants. For those who are healthy, moderate outdoor exercise during moderate air pollution is generally considered acceptable. However, for older individuals or those unusually sensitive to air pollution, it is recommended to avoid prolonged and intensive exercise or physical activity when the AQI is above moderate.
Particle pollution, such as that caused by wildfires, can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, triggering systemic inflammatory responses and impairing aerobic performance. Studies have shown that even low-intensity activities can intensify the negative impacts of air pollution for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to limit outdoor exercise or work when air quality is poor to minimize potential health risks.
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Avoid areas with high traffic volume, like Pittsburgh
Air pollution is a serious health threat, affecting millions of people in the US, especially children, older adults, and people with lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. People of color and people with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by air pollution, which puts them at higher risk for illness.
One way to avoid polluted areas in the US is to stay away from areas with high traffic volume, such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh has a long history of industrial air pollution, with coal and steel plants releasing smoke and soot that darkened the city's streets, even at midday. While the city has transformed in recent decades, it continues to struggle with air pollution, particularly in low-income communities. Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, is in the top 1% of US counties for cancer risk from toxic air pollutants. The county has some of America's highest rates of asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular disease, especially among low-income communities of color that are most exposed to pollution.
A 2020 study found that communities in Allegheny County were exposed to high levels of traffic pollution, making them up to 25 times more likely to suffer from exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and black carbon, components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). NO2 is primarily linked to vehicular traffic, and studies have shown that reduced traffic can lead to lower levels of PM2.5 pollution. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Pittsburgh experienced decreased traffic and improvements in air quality, with significant reductions observed at Parkway East, a site adjacent to a heavily travelled road.
To protect yourself from air pollution, it is essential to check the air quality forecast in your community and avoid spending prolonged periods outdoors when unhealthy air is expected. This is especially important for vulnerable groups, including individuals who are elderly, pregnant, or have young children. By being mindful of air quality and planning outdoor activities accordingly, you can reduce your exposure to polluted air and potential health risks associated with it.
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Be cautious of rural areas with forest fires, like Oregon
While Oregon is known for its lush forests and natural beauty, it's important to be cautious of the potential for forest fires in this state, which can have a significant impact on air quality and pollution levels.
Forest fires are a natural occurrence in Oregon's forests, particularly in the state's "dry forests." While periodic burns are essential for maintaining forest health, fire suppression practices and climate change have contributed to longer wildfire seasons and more destructive blazes. Oregon has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, leading to significant ecological and economic impacts.
The smoke and carbon emissions released into the atmosphere during forest fires can have detrimental effects on air quality. These emissions can spread dangerous particle pollution, affecting not only local communities but also regions far from the fire sites. Inhalation of particle pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer and trigger asthma attacks, especially in vulnerable individuals such as children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions.
When planning a visit to rural areas in Oregon, it's essential to stay informed about the current fire conditions and air quality forecasts. Resources like the Central Oregon Fire Information website provide valuable updates on fire activity and air quality indices. By monitoring these sources, you can make informed decisions to protect your health and avoid areas with unhealthy air conditions.
Additionally, it's important to follow fire safety practices to prevent human-caused wildfires. Simple precautions, such as properly extinguishing campfires and managing backyard burn piles, can significantly reduce the risk of fire ignition. By being mindful and responsible, we can all play a part in mitigating the impact of forest fires on Oregon's precious natural landscapes and the health of its residents and visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
You can protect yourself from polluted areas in the US by checking the air quality forecast in your community and avoiding exercising or working outdoors when unhealthy air is expected.
Bakersfield, Visalia, Fresno-Madera-Hanford, and San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland in California, as well as Medford-Grants Pass in Oregon, are some of the most polluted cities in the US.
Air pollution is caused by the burning of fossil fuels in power plants and motor vehicles, high ozone and smog levels, and climate change-induced events such as wildfires.
Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even be deadly. It can also increase the risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and emergency room visits.
The Clean Air Act regulates emissions of hazardous air pollutants and has successfully reduced air pollution over the years. Individuals can also play a role by reducing their use of motor vehicles and supporting policies that address climate change and promote cleaner energy sources.
