Meghan Hodges
El Paso, Texas, has been ranked among the most polluted major US cities, with industrial facilities, oil and gas operations, and dust storms contributing to poor air quality. The city's air quality is monitored by various stations, including ground-level stations and real-time air pollution maps, which provide data on pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. While the air quality in certain areas may be acceptable for most individuals, sensitive groups, including pregnant women and young children, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with air pollution. This raises concerns about the impact of pollution on the health of El Paso residents and the need for stronger standards to protect vulnerable populations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 59 |
| PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI | 37 |
| PM10 (respirable particulate matter) AQI | 59 |
| NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI | 8 |
| SO2 (sulfur dioxide) AQI | n/a |
| O3 (ozone) AQI | 26 |
| CO (carbon monoxide) AQI | 1 |
| Air Pollution Map | Available |
| Air Quality Monitoring Stations | Available |
| Air Quality Data Sources | Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Air Now - US EPA, Plume Labs |
| Air Quality Data Access | Real-time data available via API, Chrome store plugin, Windows Desktop widget |
| Health Effects of Air Pollution | Lung damage, decreased lung function, heart attacks, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, cancer, asthma, lung disease, stroke, impaired cognitive development |
| Vulnerable Groups | Pregnant women, young children, individuals with pre-existing health conditions |
| Recommendations for Vulnerable Groups | Stay indoors, wear masks, avoid outdoor exercise |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution from the oil and gas industry
El Paso, Texas, has been ranked among the most polluted major US cities, with 2025 predicted to be worse than 2024. The city's air quality has been classified as "Unhealthy for sensitive groups", with a US AQI reading of 113. This is due to the presence of PM2.5 pollutants, which are very small particles that can enter various bodily systems and cause or exacerbate asthma, cancer, lung disease, and the chance of stroke.
To address this issue, stronger standards and regulations are needed to prevent harmful pollution from oil and gas sites. This includes regular inspections for leaks of methane and other air pollutants. The EPA has designated El Paso County as a "nonattainment" area for ozone, which is a step towards reducing emissions from facilities contributing to the air pollution problem. However, there is a concern that certain industrial facilities are allowed to continue polluting the air without facing legal consequences.
While it is challenging to identify less polluted areas in El Paso due to the widespread nature of air pollution, it is crucial to prioritize mitigating air pollution and its health impacts on the community. The implementation of EPA proposals and stronger protections against air pollution are essential steps towards improving air quality in El Paso and protecting the health of its residents.
To stay informed about the air quality in specific areas within El Paso, residents can refer to the El Paso air quality map, which provides detailed information about ground-level air monitoring stations and air pollution levels across the city. This allows individuals to make informed decisions about their exposure to outdoor air and take necessary precautions, such as wearing masks or avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high air pollution.
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Air quality monitoring stations
El Paso, Texas, has a history of poor air quality, with industrial facilities releasing unauthorised pollutants into the air. The city's air quality is monitored by various stations, which collect data on ambient concentrations of air pollution. This data is used to inform air quality programs and initiatives to improve air quality in the region.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is responsible for safeguarding the state's air resources from pollution. They collect data from 22 monitoring stations in the Texas border region, including El Paso, Big Bend National Park, and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The TCEQ's website provides information on all air quality monitoring stations, including real-time concentrations of pollutants.
El Paso County Health has an Air Quality Program (AQP) that conducts air pollution control activities and monitors ambient air in the city to comply with state and federal laws, such as the Clean Air Act. The AQP operates four air monitoring stations within the city and also works with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to maintain four additional monitoring stations. These stations measure ground-level ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels.
The city of El Paso also has an Environmental Services Department (ESD) that provides various services to residents, including air quality monitoring. The ESD ensures city-wide upkeep through diverse landscaping, weed control, and irrigation maintenance. They also address graffiti, mosquito control, and stagnant water concerns, which can impact air quality.
Air quality maps of El Paso are available online and provide information on ground-level air monitoring stations in and around the city. These maps use colour-coding and discs to indicate the locations of the monitoring stations and the air quality readings. The maps can be interactive, allowing users to click on individual discs to access detailed information about that specific area's air quality.
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Particulate matter pollution
El Paso, Texas, has been ranked among the most polluted major cities in the United States. In 2024, it was reported to have the ninth-highest amount of fine particulate matter pollution in the air among major US cities. This ranking is based on the concentration of small particulate matter pollution, often resulting from dust, industrial activity, and vehicle exhaust.
The sources of particulate matter pollution in El Paso are diverse. One significant contributor is the oil and gas industry, which releases millions of tons of pollutants into the air each year, including methane and toxic chemicals such as benzene. These emissions directly affect the health of individuals living nearby, and there are over 900 schools in Texas located within a half-mile of oil and gas operations, putting children at especially high risk. In addition to the oil and gas industry, industrial facilities in El Paso have been reported to release unauthorised pollutants, further contributing to the poor air quality in the area.
To address the issue of particulate matter pollution, El Paso has implemented various measures. The city adopted the El Paso Natural Events Action Plan (NEAP) in 2007, which aims to manage exceedances of PM standards caused by natural events such as dust storms. The NEAP includes public education and outreach programs, as well as strategies to limit public exposure to PM emissions during these events. Additionally, El Paso has worked on controlling fugitive dust emissions, with specific plans in place since the 1980s to address this issue in nonattainment areas, including El Paso.
While these measures have been put in place, El Paso continues to face challenges in improving its air quality. The city's location near the US-Mexico border and the impact of emissions from neighbouring countries complicate its efforts. Additionally, Texas has a sparse air quality monitoring network relative to its size, making it difficult for residents to access hyper-local air quality data. Despite these challenges, organisations like IQAir urge residents to stay informed about the air quality in their area and take appropriate actions to protect their health, such as limiting outdoor exposure during periods of high pollution.
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Ozone air pollution
El Paso, Texas, has been ranked among the most polluted major US cities, with the ninth-highest amount of fine particulate matter in the region's air. The city's air quality has been described as “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, with a US Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 113.
Ground-level ozone, the main component of smog, forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with sunlight and high temperatures. Vehicles and industrial facilities are major sources of the airborne chemicals that form ozone. Ozone pollution is exacerbated by hot weather, and El Paso experiences high temperatures, with July 2022 seeing average highs of 99.4 degrees Fahrenheit, 3.6 degrees hotter than the historical average.
The health impacts of ozone pollution are significant. Ozone pollution can trigger coughing and asthma attacks, irritate the lungs, and make it difficult to breathe. Regular exposure to ozone can cause permanent damage to lung tissues and potentially to DNA, increasing the risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pregnant people are also at higher risk, as exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of preeclampsia and impact fetal growth and development.
To address ozone air pollution in El Paso, measures such as reducing emissions from vehicles and industrial sources, promoting the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles, and improving air quality monitoring are necessary.
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Air pollution map for El Paso
El Paso, Texas, has been ranked among the most polluted major US cities. In 2024, it was reported to have the ninth-highest amount of fine particulate matter in the region's air. The city's air quality is affected by industrial facilities, which have been found to release unauthorised pollutants into the air. Western Refining, the Newman Power Station in El Paso County, and the Capitan Compressor Station in Culberson have been identified as major polluters.
To address this issue, El Paso utilises an air pollution map that provides detailed information about the city's air quality. This map is colour-coded, with green indicating good air quality and darker colours like maroon representing worsening air quality. The map also features coloured discs that mark the locations of ground-level air monitoring stations. These discs display the United States Air Quality Index (US AQI) reading, calculated based on the levels of six air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone.
The map offers additional options to enhance understanding. The first option reveals the locations of all ground-level air monitoring stations, while the second option indicates the presence of any wildfires. The third option, which can be visually overpowering, colours the map according to current air quality. The fourth option shows the speed and direction of prevailing winds, helping predict smoke movement.
By utilising this comprehensive air pollution map, residents of El Paso can stay informed about the city's air quality and take necessary precautions to protect their health. The map also serves as a tool to identify areas with better air quality within the city.
While the map is a valuable resource, it is important to note that air pollution data in Texas may be limited due to a sparse air quality monitoring network relative to the state's size. As a result, not all residents have access to hyper-local air quality information.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 31st, 2025, El Paso, Texas had an overall air quality index of 59. The air quality index is calculated by taking the measured levels of six air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone.
The downtown area of El Paso is swept at least four times a month, meeting the PM10 regulations for air quality. The city also has an anti-graffiti program that removes graffiti from parks, homes, and businesses, as it is considered an eyesore and lowers property values.
The oil and gas industry is a major contributor to air pollution in El Paso, releasing millions of tons of pollutants into the air each year, including methane and toxic chemicals. Western Refining and the Newman Power Station in El Paso County have also been named as major polluters, releasing unauthorized pollution into the air.
Air pollution can have significant negative impacts on your health, especially from prolonged exposure to ozone-polluted air and particle pollution. Ozone pollution can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation, while particle pollution has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including lung damage and an increased risk of heart attacks.
