Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a serious issue that affects cities worldwide, and North America is no exception. While air quality can vary over time due to various factors, several cities in North America have consistently been identified as having poor air quality. So, what are the most polluted cities in North America, and what factors contribute to their poor air quality? Let's delve into the data and explore the cities grappling with the challenge of combating air pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleanest city in North America | Waimea, Hawaii |
| Most polluted city in North America | Yosemite Lakes, California |
| Most polluted cities in North America | Bakersfield, California; Visalia, California; Fresno-Madera-Hanford, California; San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, California; Los Angeles, California; Gary, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois |
| Major causes of air pollution | Factories, refineries, power stations, heavy-duty trucks, vehicle emissions, wildfires, mining, construction, agriculture |
| Health risks | Asthma attacks, respiratory issues, cancer, premature birth, lower birth weight in newborns, coronary and respiratory diseases, preliminary death |
| People most affected by air pollution | Children, older adults, people with lung diseases, people of color, people with lower incomes |
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What You'll Learn
California cities are among the most polluted
California is known for its car culture, with a majority of Californians driving rather than taking public transportation or walking. This, coupled with the state's large and growing population, has resulted in a significant amount of air pollution. In fact, eight of the most polluted cities in the United States are in California.
Los Angeles, California, is one of the most well-known cities in the state and has received a failing grade in the State of the Air report with a weighted average of 106.5 in air pollution. The city's pollution is largely due to its high number of vehicles and its history of deadly wildfires. In 2020, wildfires raged across California, enveloping cities in a surreal orange-colored smoke. While the fire itself is dangerous, the tiny particles of soot that are produced are an even greater hazard to health. These particles can be up to ten times worse for human health than similar particles from other sources.
Other California cities that top the rankings for air pollution include Bakersfield, Visalia, Fresno-Madera-Hanford, and San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland. These cities have high levels of year-round particle pollution, short-term particle pollution, and ozone. The San Francisco Bay Area, in particular, has suffered from devastating wildfires over the years, which have worsened the air quality in the region.
While California has made strides in reducing pollution from automobiles, trucks, and power stations, the state continues to struggle with the effects of wildfires and agriculture on its air quality. The pollution from these sources can have serious health consequences, including respiratory issues, asthma attacks, and an increased risk of cancer. Overall, California's air pollution is a complex issue that requires further attention and action to improve the health and well-being of its residents.
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The impact of wildfires on air quality
Wildfires emit particulate matter (PM) and gaseous compounds that can have negative consequences for human health. The particles released by wildfires, known as PM2.5, are extremely fine and can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. These particles can be up to ten times more harmful than similar particles from other sources. They can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, an increased risk of asthma attacks, and even cancer. People with pre-existing lung diseases, children, older adults, and individuals with lower incomes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wildfire-induced air pollution.
While the overall trend in air quality in the United States has been improving due to the implementation of the Clean Air Act, seasonal wildfires threaten to undo this progress in some regions. The costs of the health outcomes associated with wildfire-induced air pollution can be significant, exceeding the billions already spent on wildfire suppression. Additionally, the fuel type and amount of fuel consumed during wildfires can greatly influence emissions, with the consumption of deep organic fuels resulting in higher emissions of PM2.5.
To address the impact of wildfires on air quality, researchers have employed wildfire emissions models, chemical transport models, and ground-based or satellite observations to study and quantify the effects. These studies help to estimate the contribution of wildfires to PM2.5 levels and their subsequent impact on public health. By understanding the mechanisms driving wildfire emissions and their impact on air quality, scientists and policymakers can work towards developing strategies to mitigate their effects and protect public health.
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The role of vehicle emissions
Vehicle emissions play a significant role in air pollution across North America, particularly in the United States. The burning of fossil fuels by motor vehicles contributes to high levels of ozone and smog, which are linked to various health risks. California, for instance, has a car culture where the majority of residents drive instead of using public transportation or walking. This has led to California having the most metro areas on the list of polluted cities, with Los Angeles being the city with the most contaminated air in the country.
The use of diesel engines and diesel fuel in cars and trucks is a major source of air pollution, especially in urban centres. In rural areas, while other factors like residential fuel use come into play, vehicle emissions still significantly impact air quality. For instance, forest fires, which contribute to pollution, can be caused by vehicles.
Various pollutants are released by vehicles, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and other tiny inhalable particles. Nitrogen dioxide, in particular, is released in large amounts through vehicular emissions. The high levels of nitrogen dioxide and other oxides of nitrogen, when exposed to sunlight, lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, which has negative health effects. Studies have also found a correlation between air pollution and worse cognitive development in children, with higher levels of black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (found in incomplete combustion emissions) linked to lower test scores.
While pollution control measures have reduced emissions from fossil-fuelled power generation, vehicle emissions remain a significant issue. The persistence of vehicle emissions, along with biomass burning, acts as a major obstacle to improving air quality and reducing health risks. However, it is important to note that modern technology, such as catalytic converters, is helping to prevent many toxic substances from being emitted into the atmosphere.
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How pollution affects vulnerable groups
While air pollution is a pressing issue for everyone, it disproportionately affects certain vulnerable groups. People of colour, the elderly, unemployed people, those with low incomes or low education, and non-Hispanic blacks are among those who are more likely to be exposed to harmful pollutants and face a higher risk of adverse health effects.
Several studies have found that racial and ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and other people of colour, experience higher levels of air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This disparity exists regardless of income level or region in the United States. The average PM2.5 concentration for the Black population, for example, was 13.7% higher than that of the white population in 2016.
Systemic racism has been identified as a key factor contributing to this disparity. Over time, people of colour have been pushed closer to pollution sources, increasing their exposure to harmful pollutants. Additionally, factors such as housing market dynamics, land costs, and racism contribute to the higher exposure to pollution among these communities.
Low-income communities are also disproportionately affected by air pollution. Areas with lower income groups have been found to have higher average PM2.5 levels, and communities with larger African American populations, lower home values, and lower median incomes face a higher risk of premature death from long-term exposure to particle pollution.
Furthermore, certain health conditions can make individuals more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. People with lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, as well as children and older adults, are especially susceptible to the harmful impacts of air pollution. Ozone and particle pollution are linked to an increased risk of premature birth and lower birth weight in newborns. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and lead to respiratory issues and even cancer in people of all ages.
While the specific cities with the worst air pollution in North America were not listed, it is evident that certain vulnerable groups, including people of colour, low-income communities, and individuals with specific health conditions, bear the brunt of the harmful effects of air pollution.
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The efforts of the EPA and other organisations
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed in response to growing public concern and a grassroots movement to address the deteriorating conditions of water, air, and land in the country. The agency is responsible for conducting environmental assessments, research, and education, as well as maintaining and enforcing national standards under various U.S. environmental laws.
One of EPA's notable initiatives is the "One Cleanup Program," which aims to improve coordination across different agency programs involved in cleanup efforts at specific sites. The EPA also reviews environmental impact statements from other agencies and maintains a national filing system. Additionally, they have implemented voluntary programs to encourage, recognize, and celebrate companies that proactively find ways to prevent and reduce pollution in their operations.
Despite these efforts, the EPA has faced challenges and criticisms. In the early days, the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) was criticized for its management structure and lack of coordination with the agency's needs. More recently, the EPA has faced threats of staffing and funding cuts, which could endanger its ability to protect people's health from air pollution.
In addition to the EPA, other organizations are also contributing to the fight against pollution in North America. For example, IQAir, a Swiss tech company that tracks global air quality, has reported on the most polluted cities in the U.S. and highlighted the need for pollution control technology to address vehicle emissions and biomass burning.
Overall, while there have been improvements in air quality in certain regions, air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to the health of millions of Americans, and the efforts of the EPA and other organizations remain crucial in addressing this ongoing issue.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2023 report by IQAir, the top 13 most polluted cities in North America were in Canada. The report attributed this to the wildfires that burned across Canada that year, with smoke reaching New York and affecting air quality in the US.
Although specific cities were not mentioned in the report, Courtenay was the only Canadian city featuring in the top 30 most polluted cities in the world, with a PM10 ug/m3 pollution reading of 30 micrograms per cubic meter.
Monterrey, Mexico, has the worst air pollution in the country, with a PM10 ug/m3 pollution reading of 86 micrograms per cubic meter, far above the standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Poor air quality is influenced by various factors, including motor vehicles, diesel engines, and industrial emissions, and meteorological and topographic conditions.
