Greta Jimenez
Air pollution can cause a host of health issues, from asthma and bronchitis to cardiovascular and respiratory illness. Some states are more polluted than others, with toxins in the air, water, and soil, increasing the risk of health conditions. Louisiana, for instance, has been dubbed the most polluted state in the US, with high levels of air, water, and soil pollution, and a high incidence of cancer. In contrast, Vermont has been ranked as the least polluted state, with the lowest levels of industrial toxins and pollution-related health risks. Other states with clean air include Hawaii, which has the cleanest average air in the US, followed by Alaska and Washington.
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What You'll Learn
Hawaii has the cleanest air in the US
Honolulu is one of six cities in the US ranked on all three of the American Lung Association's cleanest cities lists for ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution. The city had no days of unhealthy air due to ozone pollution, a common issue in many other cities across the nation. Hawaii's clean air can be attributed to its successful preservation of natural beauty, including pristine beaches and a tropical atmosphere.
However, it is important to note that the largest threats to Hawaii's air quality are volcanic activity and climate change. Environmental shifts resulting from these factors pose significant risks to the state's air quality. Despite these challenges, Hawaii has a clean energy initiative in place, aiming to achieve 100% clean energy by 2045.
In addition to Hawaii, other states with relatively clean air include Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and New Hampshire. These states have air quality indices ranging from 29.1 in Alaska to 40.4 in New York, all falling within the "'good'" AQI range. However, it is worth mentioning that no New Hampshire cities have ranked on the American Lung Association's cleanest cities report, possibly due to the negative impact of wildfires on the West Coast.
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Alaska has the second-best air quality
Air pollution is a serious issue in the United States, causing adverse effects on both the environment and human health. It can lead to accelerated lung ageing, decreased lung function, asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular and respiratory illness, and possibly cancer. Los Angeles, Visalia, Bakersfield, and Fresno in California are among the most polluted cities in the country.
However, Alaska has the second-best air quality in the nation, with an air quality index (AQI) of 29.1. This is considered the "good" AQI range. Alaska's vast, empty spaces mean that there is often a large distance between polluting industrial sites and human populations. Anchorage, for example, had a US AQI reading of just 1 in June 2021, indicating a significant absence of smoke, haze, and other contaminants typical of more polluted cities.
That being said, there are still some pollution issues in Alaska. Anchorage and Mat-Su Borough experience particle pollution problems due to wood-burning home heating, though air quality has improved in recent years. Alaska's cold climate can also cause thermal inversion, where colder, denser air gets trapped at ground level while warmer air remains above, perpetuating a cycle of pollution buildup.
Meteorological events, such as strong winds and a lack of rain, can also cause clouds of smoke and fine particles (PM2.5) from distant wildfires to float for miles, affecting cities like Anchorage. Power plants, factories, industrial sites, and vehicles are additional sources of air pollution in Alaska, with many rural areas still using diesel as a primary fuel source.
Overall, while Alaska generally enjoys good air quality, there are specific areas and conditions that can lead to elevated pollution levels.
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Utah has the worst air quality
While Hawaii, Alaska, and Washington are among the states with the cleanest air in the US, Utah has the worst air quality in the country. Utah's air quality index is 51.2, placing it in the "moderate" AQI range. The state's poor air quality is due to a combination of factors, including its mountainous topography, which causes pollution to build up near the surface, especially during inversions. In addition, emissions from gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, particularly older models, contribute significantly to the problem.
Utah's poor air quality has serious health implications for its residents. An MIT study estimated that over 450 deaths occur annually in Utah due to poor air quality. The state has implemented some measures to address the issue, such as offering incentives for clean fuel vehicles and increasing solar energy use. However, conflicting policies, such as imposing additional registration fees on clean fuel vehicles, have also been enacted.
The American Lung Association (ALA) has consistently ranked Utah cities poorly for air quality. In 2024, the Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem area was ranked as the 9th worst city for ozone air quality and 19th for short-term particle pollution. Logan, another city in Utah, was ranked the 21st worst for short-term particle pollution. The ALA's "State of the Air" report in 2025 revealed that nearly half of Americans live in areas with failing air quality grades, and Utah is no exception.
The effects of poor air quality in Utah are wide-ranging and concerning. Fine particulates, especially smaller ones like PM2.5, can enter deep into the lungs, causing or exacerbating respiratory issues and reducing lung function. These particulates can also enter the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heartbeats. Furthermore, they can cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to degenerative brain diseases, mental illness, and reduced cognitive function.
Utah's air quality is not only a local issue but also a matter of national concern. In December 2024, Salt Lake City had the worst air quality in the entire US, according to real-time IQAir rankings. The city registered in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category, and while its ranking has since improved, it still faces significant air quality challenges. Utah's experience serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address air pollution and its detrimental impacts on human health and the environment.
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Indiana ranks poorly for drinking water quality
While there is no clear ranking of states with the least pain and pollution, Indiana ranks poorly for drinking water quality. Indiana's waterways struggle with sediment runoff, excess nutrients such as phosphorus, and even infectious bacteria such as E. coli. The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) is working to protect Indiana's water resources by focusing on the greatest threats to drinking water, rivers, and lakes. HEC is also advocating for sustainable energy use, reduced pollution from factory farms, and stronger drinking water protections.
Indiana's water quality issues are not limited to drinking water. The state has lost more than 85% of its original wetlands, which are crucial for water storage and purification. To address this, the Indiana Wetland Task Force is working on recommendations for wetland policy. Additionally, Indiana is a source of nutrient pollution to the Western Lake Erie Basin, and the state has developed a plan to reduce phosphorus levels in the Maumee River.
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database collects information on drinking water utilities' compliance with health-based water quality standards and other requirements. Indiana's utilities have accrued points for violations, indicating room for improvement in water quality.
The Office of Water Quality (OWQ) in Indiana is dedicated to monitoring, protecting, and improving the state's water resources. OWQ develops rules, assesses water quality, regulates drinking water supplies, protects watersheds, and provides outreach to ensure environmentally responsible economic development. Their efforts are guided by Indiana's Water Quality Standards and the Clean Water Act.
Overall, Indiana faces challenges in ensuring safe drinking water and protecting its water resources. Various organizations, including HEC and OWQ, are working towards improving water quality and addressing the state's environmental concerns. These efforts are crucial for safeguarding public health and the state's natural assets.
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Los Angeles, Visalia, Bakersfield, and Fresno are the most polluted cities
Ozone pollution, largely a result of tailpipe emissions and heat, has earned Los Angeles the title of the smoggiest city in the nation for 25 out of the past 26 years. The combination of millions of vehicles, sunny skies, and restricted airflow due to surrounding mountain ranges has led to the city's poor air quality. Despite some improvements, Los Angeles still has a long way to go in addressing its ozone pollution problem.
Bakersfield, located in the San Joaquin Valley, has been ranked as the city with the least healthy air in America. It topped the lists for both ozone and particle pollution, with residents experiencing the highest number of unhealthy ozone days and the worst particle pollution levels. The agricultural burning and industrial activities in the region significantly contribute to Bakersfield's poor air quality.
Visalia and Fresno, also in California, face similar challenges with particle pollution. Fresno has shown improvement, registering its lowest levels of ozone and particle pollution in recent years. However, both cities continue to struggle with air quality issues, impacting the health and well-being of their residents.
While California takes the lead in addressing pollution through initiatives like Senate Bill 32 and Assembly Bill 398, other states are also making progress. For example, Oregon is pushing for two ballot measures aimed at achieving a 100% clean economy and electricity by 2050. Additionally, Hawaii has the cleanest average air in the U.S., with an air quality index of 21.2, followed by Alaska and Washington, which also boast impressive air quality indices.
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Frequently asked questions
Hawaii has the cleanest air in the US, with an air quality index of 21.2.
Utah has the worst air quality in the US, with an air quality index of 51.2, which is in the "moderate" AQI range.
Air pollution can cause accelerated ageing of the lungs, decreased lung function, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory illness, reduced resistance to infections, increased fatigue, chest pain, dry throat, wheezing, headaches, and nausea.
Sources of air pollution include motor vehicles, wood smoke, wildfire smoke, industrial sites, coal-burning power plants, diesel engines, and mining.
The Clean Air Act has been driving pollution reduction for over 50 years, and the US Environmental Protection Agency is critical for cleaning up air pollution.
