Brian Barton
Bakersfield and Ridgecrest are two cities in California's Central Valley. Bakersfield has been labelled as the most air-polluted city in America, with emissions from oil refineries, agriculture, and road traffic contributing to poor air quality. On the other hand, Ridgecrest is known for its high altitude and dry desert climate, with minimal rainfall. While there may be less discussion about pollution levels in Ridgecrest, it is important to examine the specific data and factors that influence pollution in both areas to determine which location faces more environmental challenges. This comparison will provide insight into the unique geographical, industrial, and demographic aspects that contribute to pollution levels, ultimately shaping the health and well-being of residents in these regions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Which city is more polluted? | Bakersfield is more polluted than Ridgecrest |
| Bakersfield's rank in the US | Ranked as the worst place to breathe in the US |
| Bakersfield's global rank | Ranked #2,085 out of 4,690 global cities |
| Bakersfield's North American rank | Ranked #228 out of 1725 cities |
| Bakersfield's PM2.5 concentration in 2019 | 11.3 μg/m3 |
| Number of unhealthy PM2.5 days in Bakersfield from 2016 to 2018 | 35.8 per year |
| Bakersfield's ozone days per year | 103.2 |
| Bakersfield's population | 375,000 |
| Bakersfield's asthma patients | 69,895-70,000 |
| Bakersfield's cardiovascular disease patients | 40,000 |
| Bakersfield's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients | 27,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Bakersfield's air pollution
Bakersfield, California, is one of the most polluted cities in the United States. The city's air pollution is caused by a combination of geographical, climatic, industrial, and residential factors.
Bakersfield's unique geography plays a significant role in its poor air quality. The city is surrounded by mountains on three sides, creating a bowl-like shape. This topography traps pollutants from various sources, including agricultural activities, oil refineries, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions. The dry climate, with minimal rainfall, further exacerbates the problem by preventing particle pollution from coagulating or being washed away by rain. As a result, particles remain suspended in the air for extended periods.
In addition to geographical and climatic factors, Bakersfield's high-emission industries contribute significantly to air pollution. The city is a hub for agriculture and the oil industry, with nearby oil fields, refineries, and distribution centres. As the population grows, the demand for these industries' products and services increases, leading to more intensive agricultural and industrial activities that contribute to air pollution.
Residential emissions from private motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and freight trains, are also a significant source of pollution in Bakersfield. Population growth has led to increased vehicle emissions and higher residential energy consumption, further worsening air quality. Traditional residential emissions sources include wood stoves, fire pits, and BBQs.
The health impacts of air pollution in Bakersfield are significant. High levels of particle pollution, ozone pollution, and smog have been linked to respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as cardiovascular disease and even premature deaths. Vulnerable groups, such as children, older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are at particular risk.
Efforts have been made to improve Bakersfield's air quality. Local regulations, industrial investments in cleaner technologies, and more stringent air quality standards have contributed to some improvements. However, environmentalists and activists worry about potential rollbacks in legislation and the impact of highly polluting industries on the region's air quality.
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Ridgecrest's air pollution
Ridgecrest, California, has a moderate level of air pollution. The air quality in Ridgecrest is considered fair, with a 39.0 AQI (Air Quality Index). The main pollutants in Ridgecrest's air are PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3. The concentration of PM2.5 is 38.0, and the concentration of O3 is 122.2 μg/m³. This level of pollution is higher than the maximum limit established for one year by the World Health Organization (WHO).
While Ridgecrest's air pollution is not as severe as that of Bakersfield, which has been named America's most air-polluted city, it still poses potential health risks to its residents. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for short-term and annual PM2.5 exposure, mandating no more than 3.2 unhealthy PM2.5 days per year and annual PM2.5 concentrations not exceeding 12 μg/m3. Bakersfield has consistently exceeded these standards, with an average of 35.8 unhealthy PM2.5 days per year from 2016 to 2018.
The high level of air pollution in Bakersfield is attributed to emissions from oil refineries, agriculture, industry, rail freight, and road traffic. The health impacts of air pollution in Bakersfield are significant, with approximately 70,000 residents suffering from asthma and high rates of other respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The cost of air pollution in the region is estimated to be around $3 billion, or about $1,000 per person per year.
While Ridgecrest's air pollution may not be as severe as Bakersfield's, it is important for residents to stay informed about the air quality and take necessary precautions to protect their health. Monitoring real-time air quality data and using air purification systems can help mitigate the potential health risks associated with air pollution. Additionally, advocating for legislation and policies that address air pollution and hold industries accountable for their emissions can contribute to long-term improvements in air quality.
Overall, while Ridgecrest's air pollution is moderate, it still exceeds the recommended limits set by the WHO, underscoring the importance of ongoing efforts to improve air quality and protect the health and well-being of residents.
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Bakersfield's geography and pollution
Bakersfield, California, is surrounded by mountains on three sides, including the Sierra Nevada range, creating a bowl-like shape. This unique geography traps the smog generated by various sources, including agricultural activities, vehicle exhaust, oil refineries, industrial processes, and other emissions in the San Joaquin Valley. The city's dry climate, with minimal rainfall, further exacerbates the problem by preventing particle pollution from coagulating or being washed away by rain. As a result, particles remain suspended in the air for extended periods, contributing to Bakersfield's poor air quality.
Residential emissions from private motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and freight trains, are a significant source of pollution in Bakersfield. The impact of transportation emissions is heightened by the city's geographical location, as the major north-south route, Interstate 5, runs near the city, bringing additional diesel truck traffic. Population growth in Bakersfield has also led to increased residential emissions from homes, including sources such as wood stoves, fire pits, and BBQs.
Bakersfield's location in the San Joaquin Valley, a major agricultural area, further contributes to its air pollution issues. The valley's topography, surrounded by mountains, traps the pollutants from agricultural activities, oil refineries, and industrial processes. As the population increases, the concentration of pollutants in this bowl-shaped valley becomes more intense, leading to higher levels of air pollution. Bakersfield is a hub for the agricultural and oil industries, with oil fields, refineries, and distribution centres located nearby.
The health impacts of air pollution in Bakersfield are significant, with high levels of particle pollution, ozone pollution, and smog linked to respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as cardiovascular disease and even premature deaths. In 2006, a study estimated that the health impacts of air pollution in the region cost approximately $3 billion, or about $1,000 per person per year. The American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" report has consistently ranked Bakersfield among the most polluted cities in America.
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Ridgecrest's pollution sources
Ridgecrest, California, has a current Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26, which is considered "good". The real-time air pollution levels of PM2.5 and PM10 are 10µg/m³ and 22µg/m³, respectively. The primary outdoor air pollution sources are solid and liquid particles called aerosols, and gases from vehicle emissions, construction, factories, burning stubble and fossil fuels, and wildfires.
The World Health Organization (WHO) uses a stringent guideline for annual PM2.5, suggesting that residents should not be exposed to more than 10 μg/m3 per year. Ridgecrest's PM2.5 concentration is currently 1.2 times this guideline value. When the AQI is high, it is recommended that residents use an air purifier or fresh air machine indoors and close all doors, windows, and ventilation. Those who go outdoors are advised to wear N95 masks until the AQI improves to a moderate level.
In comparison, Bakersfield, California, is considered America's most air-polluted city due to emissions from oil refineries and agriculture. In the three-year monitoring period from 2016 to 2018, Bakersfield averaged 35.8 unhealthy PM2.5 days a year, far exceeding the federal allowance of 3.2 days. The city also averages 103.2 unhealthy ozone days a year, which is more than 32 times the federal allowance. Ground-level ozone is a highly corrosive and irritating gas pollutant that has been linked to health issues such as difficulty breathing, coughing, permanent lung damage, lung cancer, and early death.
While Bakersfield has made improvements in recent years through more stringent air quality standards, cleaner-burning engines, and efficient industrial machinery, it continues to struggle with poor air quality and the associated health problems. About 70,000 residents in the wider metro area are estimated to have asthma, with 40,000 suffering from cardiovascular disease and 27,000 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Bakersfield's pollution sources
Bakersfield, California, has been called the most air-polluted city in America. The city's air quality has been described as a toxic mix of soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals, and aerosols that contribute to heart attacks, strokes, and lung disease.
Bakersfield's air pollution can be attributed to several sources. Firstly, the city is home to Kern Oil, the primary oil refinery in the area, which has been subject to numerous Clean Air Act violations due to over-pollution. Since 2015, Kern Oil has faced 171 formal enforcement actions. The presence of oil refineries in the region significantly contributes to the city's poor air quality.
Secondly, Bakersfield is an agricultural hub, and agricultural activities contribute to air pollution. Farmland machinery, crop burning, pesticides, and wind-blown dust release harmful airborne particulates and gases like nitrogen dioxide, a precursor to ozone pollution. Ozone is a highly corrosive and irritating gas that can cause coughing, difficulty breathing, and even permanent lung damage and lung cancer.
In addition to these local sources, Bakersfield's air pollution is also influenced by emissions from industry, rail freight, and road traffic. The geographic and climatic conditions of the region further exacerbate the problem by trapping dry, dirty air over the southern section of the Central Valley.
The health impacts of air pollution in Bakersfield are significant. It is estimated that about 70,000 residents have asthma, with 40,000 suffering from cardiovascular disease and 27,000 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A 2006 study estimated that the health impacts of air pollution in the region cost approximately $3 billion, or about $1,000 per person per year.
While there have been some improvements in recent years due to stricter air quality standards, cleaner technologies, and more efficient industrial machinery, Bakersfield still struggles with poor air quality and the associated health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Bakersfield is more polluted than Ridgecrest. The city is surrounded by mountains, which trap vehicle fumes and agricultural emissions.
Residential emissions from private motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and freight trains, are a significant source of pollution in Bakersfield. The city is also a hub for the agricultural and oil industries, with oil refineries, freight trains, road traffic, and farming practices contributing to air pollution.
High levels of particle pollution, ozone pollution, and smog in Bakersfield have been linked to respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as cardiovascular disease and even premature deaths.
Bakersfield is ranked as one of the most polluted cities in America. In 2019, Bakersfield's PM2.5 concentration was more than half that of the most polluted city in North America: Toluca, Mexico.
While Bakersfield still struggles with poor air quality, some improvements have been made through more stringent air quality standards, cleaner burning engines, efficient industrial machinery, and industrial investments in cleaner technologies.
