Bronte Wells
Pollution in the ground, or soil pollution, is a pressing issue in several US states. Louisiana, for instance, is known for its air pollution, especially in the industrial region stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, which has higher-than-normal cancer rates. Nevada, ranked as the second most polluted state, faces issues with contaminated groundwater, polluted water sources, and radioactive soil. Pennsylvania, with a history of industry and coal production, also struggles with water and soil pollution, while Illinois has issues with groundwater pollution and industrial pollutants in its waterways. Other states like Oregon, Tennessee, and California also face pollution problems, with the latter having cities that rank among America's most polluted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States with the most pollution in the ground | Nevada, Louisiana, California, Oregon, Tennessee, Illinois, Pennsylvania |
| Common air pollutants | Carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particle pollution, sulfur oxides, asbestos, fuel oils, kerosene, benzene |
| Health problems attributed to air pollution | Premature death, cancer, organ failure, infections, behavioral changes, other diseases |
| Health effects distribution | Demographic disparities by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education |
| Sources of air pollution | Natural sources (wildfires, volcanoes), anthropogenic sources |
| EPA's role | Monitoring air pollution, writing rules to clean it up, enforcing those rules |
| EPA's air quality index (AQI) | Communicates air pollution risk on a scale from 0 to 500 with six levels from Good to Hazardous |
| National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) | Ground-level ozone limit set to 70 ppb |
| Impact of ground-level ozone concentration limit | Could avert 1,700 to 5,100 premature deaths and 26,000 cases of aggravated asthma |
| State and local government's role | Enacting and enforcing regulations to achieve federal standards, limiting emissions from local sources |
| Federal government's role | Setting standards for emissions from motor vehicles, corporate average fuel economy standards |
| California's role | Allowed to set its own standards for air pollution, which other states can adopt |
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What You'll Learn
- California: areas including Los Angeles-Long Beach, Bakersfield, Fresno-Medera-Hanford, and Sacramento-Roseville rank in the top 10 most polluted cities
- Nevada: Las Vegas is the major contributor to the state's poor air quality, with greater-than-average unhealthy ozone levels
- Oregon: air pollution reduces life spans and contributes to respiratory illnesses
- Tennessee: has a serious air pollution problem, largely due to coal power plants and oil refineries
- Illinois: industrial pollutants in water are carcinogens, which can find their way into drinking water
California: areas including Los Angeles-Long Beach, Bakersfield, Fresno-Medera-Hanford, and Sacramento-Roseville rank in the top 10 most polluted cities
California ranks sixth among the least polluted states in the US. However, several of its cities rank among the country's most polluted areas. Research from the American Lung Association (ALA) has ranked cities by ozone pollution, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution.
Los Angeles-Long Beach, Bakersfield, Fresno-Madera-Hanford, and Sacramento-Roseville are all California areas that feature in the top 10 most polluted cities in all three pollution categories. These cities have high levels of the six common air pollutants identified and regulated by the EPA: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particle pollution, and sulfur oxides.
Ground-level ozone presents short- and long-term health hazards. The US EPA has estimated that limiting ground-level ozone concentration to 65 parts per billion (ppb) would have averted 1,700 to 5,100 premature deaths nationwide in 2020 compared to the 75 ppb standard. The EPA has acted to protect public health by lowering the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70 ppb.
Short-term, single instances of particulate matter exposure are linked with unpleasant respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, a sore throat, dizziness, and headaches. Long-term exposure to particulate matter can cause more serious heart and lung issues, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, COPD, and lung disease.
California's pollution problem is not limited to air quality issues. The state has a long history of setting standards for automobile emissions, and it has a "cap-and-trade" program for two major pollutants, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Despite these efforts, California still faces challenges in addressing water and soil pollution, similar to other states in the nation.
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Nevada: Las Vegas is the major contributor to the state's poor air quality, with greater-than-average unhealthy ozone levels
Nevada ranks as the second-most polluted state in the US, according to EPA information. The state's poor air quality can be largely attributed to Las Vegas, which has greater-than-average unhealthy ozone levels and significant particle pollution.
The American Lung Association's State of the Air report for 2022 found that over 40% of Americans (approximately 137 million people) live in areas with failing grades for unhealthy levels of particle pollution or ozone. This is an increase of 2.1 million people compared to the previous year's report. The report focuses on the two pollutants considered the most dangerous by public health experts and medical professionals: ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Las Vegas, in particular, has been found to have greater-than-average days with unhealthy levels of ozone. The city also faces significant and growing particle pollution from various sources, including wildfires, coal-burning power plants, and diesel engines. The state's Classic Vehicle Insurance policies, which exempt certain vehicles from emissions testing, have also been identified as a contributing factor to Nevada's high emissions.
In addition to air pollution, Nevada also faces water pollution issues. Many of the state's water sources are contaminated by fertilizer runoff, pesticides, and industrial chemicals in developed areas. Groundwater in some areas is dangerously polluted with nitrates, and nuclear testing has left soil contaminated with radioactive materials.
The impact of Nevada's poor air quality on human health is significant. A study found that air pollution in the state results in approximately $900 million in healthcare costs annually, as well as 97 deaths. These health effects are not evenly distributed across the population, with demographic disparities by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education.
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Oregon: air pollution reduces life spans and contributes to respiratory illnesses
Air pollution is a pressing issue in Oregon, with serious implications for the health and well-being of its residents. The state's air quality has been negatively impacted by a range of factors, including vehicle emissions, wildfires, and industrial activities. The consequences of this pollution are far-reaching, contributing to respiratory illnesses and reduced life spans among Oregonians.
One of the primary concerns in Oregon's air pollution is the presence of fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5. These particles, measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller, can include dust, dirt, ash, soot, chemicals, metals, and vapors. Due to their minuscule size, PM2.5 particles can bypass the body's natural defenses and enter the circulatory system, causing a plethora of health issues. Research has established a definitive link between exposure to PM2.5 and adverse health effects such as heart and lung disease, respiratory infections, lung damage, and even cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that annual exposure to PM2.5 does not exceed 10 μg/m3 to protect public health.
Oregon's air pollution is influenced by various sources, with motor vehicles being the predominant contributor. The increasing population in Oregon exacerbates this problem, as it leads to a rise in emissions from traffic, construction, and wood stoves. Wildfires also play a significant role in degrading air quality, and warming temperatures further contribute to this issue by lengthening the wildfire season and increasing the frequency and severity of fires. Other sources of pollution include fossil fuel-based energy production, manufacturing, and industrial processes.
The health impacts of air pollution in Oregon are widespread and concerning. People of color and individuals with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by air pollution, facing higher risks of illness and premature death. Particle pollution can trigger asthma attacks, impair lung development in children, and increase the likelihood of lung cancer. Short-term spikes in particle pollution can be particularly deadly, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, reduced lung function, and even heart attacks.
To address the air pollution crisis in Oregon, several strategies have been proposed. These include transitioning to more fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and regulating winter wood-burning practices. Prescribed fires can also help reduce the risk of severe wildfires and their negative impact on air quality. While the Clean Air Act has driven pollution reduction efforts for over 50 years, recent regulatory rollbacks and staffing and funding cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threaten to undermine these achievements and further exacerbate air pollution levels in Oregon.
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Tennessee: has a serious air pollution problem, largely due to coal power plants and oil refineries
Tennessee has a serious air pollution problem, largely due to coal power plants and oil refineries. The state's oil output has been declining since its peak in 1982 and 1983, but it still has a significant impact on the environment. Tennessee's coal-fired power plants, such as the Cumberland Fossil Plant, are major contributors to air pollution, with fossil fuel combustion responsible for 86% of emission growth over the last decade. In addition to coal, the state's power plants also utilise natural gas, oil, and propane, further adding to the air pollution problem.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) owns and operates about 92% of Tennessee's utility-scale electricity-generating facilities, including the state's ten largest power plants. Among these, the Cumberland Fossil Plant is the largest by capacity and is a coal-fired power plant. The TVA also operates a wind farm and several small solar power facilities, but the majority of their plants are powered by fossil fuels.
Transportation is another significant source of air pollution in Tennessee, with vehicle engines emitting pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The EPA estimates that transportation accounts for 14% of global emissions, with oil being the main contributor. In Tennessee, Memphis is a major hub for cargo traffic, with barges, trucks, and rail contributing to transport emissions.
The state's oil refineries also play a role in air pollution. Tennessee has one petroleum refinery in Memphis, which can process about 180,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This refinery receives its crude oil supply via a pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma, as well as by barge on the Mississippi River.
In addition to the power plants, transportation, and refineries, Tennessee also faces pollution from mining sites, construction sites, road repairs, demolition areas, and occasional forest fires. The state has taken some steps towards reducing emissions, with the TVA planning to shut down the Cumberland Fossil Plant by 2028 and replace it with natural gas-fired generation for economic and environmental reasons. However, air pollution remains a serious issue in Tennessee, impacting the environment and the health of its residents.
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Illinois: industrial pollutants in water are carcinogens, which can find their way into drinking water
Illinois has a high pollution ranking due to its industrial economy and reliance on automobiles and agriculture. Chicago, for example, was ranked the 18th most polluted city for ozone by the American Lung Association in 2019. The high ozone levels in the city are caused by high temperatures and vehicle exhaust.
Illinois' coal-fired plants have contributed to significant mercury levels in the air. The state also has many coal ash dumpsites, which have polluted the groundwater with arsenic, cobalt, lithium, and other contaminants.
The industrial pollutants in the water are carcinogens, which can find their way into drinking water. This is a serious health risk for Illinois residents, as exposure to carcinogens can lead to cancer.
Illinois is not the only state with this issue. Oregon, for example, has toxins in its well water that can cause cancer, miscarriages, thyroid disease, and birth defects. Soil toxins in Oregon can also leach into groundwater, causing cancer and other illnesses. Similarly, in Pennsylvania, contaminated water affects groundwater, putting residents at risk of exposure to carcinogens and harmful bacteria.
To address these issues, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented various measures, such as the Clean Air Act, which has successfully driven pollution reduction for over 50 years. The EPA also uses the air quality index (AQI) to communicate air pollution risk to the public and has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to protect public health.
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Frequently asked questions
Louisiana is ranked as the most polluted state in the US, with the second-highest pollution health risks and the third-highest levels of industrial toxins. The area stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, known as "Cancer Alley", has higher-than-normal cancer rates among residents.
Nevada is the second-most polluted state in the US, according to EPA information. Las Vegas is the major contributor to the state's poor air quality, with greater-than-average days of unhealthy levels of ozone. The state's water sources are also contaminated by fertilizer runoff, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.
There is no clear state with the third-highest level of pollution in the ground. However, Illinois, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee are among the most polluted states in the US.
