Kiera Jefferson
Pennsylvania is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases in the US, with just 12 industrial facilities accounting for nearly one-fifth of the state's total climate pollution. The American Lung Association's 2023 State of the Air report revealed that Pittsburgh and Lancaster are the only two eastern cities in the top 25 most polluted metropolitan areas in the US. The Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton metro area experienced more unhealthy days due to short-term spikes in particle pollution compared to the previous year. Philadelphia, on the other hand, showed improvement, dropping to 46th place for year-round particle pollution. Overall, Pennsylvania's air quality remains a concern, with its cities ranking among the most polluted in the nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rank in the US for particle pollution | 20th (Pittsburgh) and 24th (Lancaster) |
| Rank in the US for annual particle pollution | 14th (Pittsburgh) |
| Rank in the US for short-term particle pollution | 55th (Philadelphia) |
| Number of cities in the top 25 most polluted cities in the US | 2 |
| Number of people living in counties that received an F for air pollution measures | 42 million |
| Number of power plants in Pennsylvania's "Dirty Dozen" | 5 |
| Rank as a greenhouse gas-emitting state in the US | 4th |
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What You'll Learn
Pennsylvania's 'Dirty Dozen'
Pennsylvania is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases in the United States, with carbon dioxide being the most prevalent, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels and methane. The state's air quality is a serious health threat, causing asthma attacks, harming lung development in children, and even leading to premature death. Particle pollution, which is particularly harmful, is caused by industrial sources and is especially concentrated in certain cities.
The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report for 2023 ranks Pennsylvania cities among the most polluted in the nation for particle pollution. Pittsburgh and Lancaster rank 14th and 24th, respectively, in the list of the 25 most polluted cities for short-term particle pollution. The Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton metro area is also among the worst for annual particle pollution. Philadelphia, while showing some improvement, still ranks 46th for year-round particle pollution.
Beyond the health impacts, climate change caused by greenhouse gases is affecting Pennsylvania. The state has gotten warmer and wetter, and scientists predict more extreme heat waves, rainfall, and drought, leading to higher flood risks and threats to public health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Pennsylvania's "Dirty Dozen" refers to just 12 industrial facilities, power plants, and mines that are the largest polluters in the state. These 12 emitters produce nearly one-fifth of the state's total climate pollution. The top two emitters are the Keystone and Conemaugh coal-fired power plants. Half of the Dirty Dozen facilities are located in southwestern Pennsylvania, which accounts for 44% of greenhouse gas emissions reported by large polluters in the state.
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Pittsburgh's air pollution
Pennsylvania ranks among the most polluted states in the US, according to the American Lung Association's 2023 "State of the Air" report. The report evaluates Americans' exposure to unhealthy levels of ozone air pollution and fine particulate pollution over a three-year period. It found that at least one metropolitan area in Pennsylvania made the list of the 25 most polluted cities for short-term and annual particle pollution. The cities of Pittsburgh and Lancaster were ranked 20th and 24th, respectively, for short-term particle pollution. Pittsburgh was also ranked 14th worst for annual particle pollution and third worst among cities located east of Phoenix. The Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton metro area continued to rank among the worst polluted cities in the country for both annual and 24-hour particle pollution.
Pittsburgh's air quality has been a concern for residents and has been attributed to various factors. One major contributor to the city's air pollution is industrial activity, particularly in specific areas near factories and steel mills. The Carleton Coke Works has been identified as a significant polluter, with its fumes impacting the surrounding areas. Inversion layers also play a role in trapping pollution close to the surface, particularly south of the Allegheny River and along the Monongahela. Additionally, wildfires, including those in Canada, have been mentioned as contributing to the poor air quality in Pittsburgh.
The air pollution in Pittsburgh has been described as noticeable and impacting the health of residents. Some individuals with asthma have shared their experiences of having issues with the condition since moving to the city, including hospitalizations. The air pollution in Pittsburgh consists of fine particulate matter, which can be inhaled and pose risks to human health. It has been associated with increased rates of cancer and pediatric asthma. The city's pollution levels are monitored through the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is based on standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
While Pittsburgh's air quality has been ranked poorly, there are efforts to improve it. The Clean Air Act has driven pollution reduction for over 50 years, and organizations like the American Lung Association and IQAir provide resources and reports to raise awareness and inform the public about air quality. Additionally, tools such as real-time air pollution maps and apps are available for residents to monitor air quality and make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
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Lancaster's air pollution
Pennsylvania ranks among the most polluted states in the US, with at least one metropolitan area making the list of the 25 most polluted cities for short-term and annual particle pollution. The cities most impacted by high levels of particle pollution are those affected by wildfires in western states. However, Pennsylvania is home to two of the eastern cities on that list: Pittsburgh and Lancaster, ranked 20th and 24th respectively.
Lancaster's air quality has shown some improvement in recent years. According to the American Lung Association's 2020 "State of the Air" report, Lancaster County's air quality improved for all three pollutant measures: ozone smog and fine particle pollution. The area's year-round level of fine particle pollution improved enough for the county to advance from the 15th worst in the country to 27th worst, just barely passing. For daily spikes of fine particle pollution, Lancaster improved from seven unhealthy days and a "D" grade to six days and a "C" grade. For ozone smog pollution, Lancaster improved from a failing grade to a passing "D" grade with nine days of unhealthy air. As a result of these improvements, Lancaster's overall ranking improved from 58th worst in the nation to 74th worst.
Despite these improvements, Lancaster residents continue to breathe some of the unhealthiest air in the country. Emissions from vehicles and industrial sources, both local and upwind, place their health and lives at risk. In Lancaster, ozone pollution put the health of over 540,000 residents at risk, including those who are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, such as older adults, children, and those with lung diseases.
The air quality in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is monitored through various indices, including PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), PM10 (respirable particulate matter), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO2 (sulfur dioxide), and O3 (ozone). On August 6, 2025, Lancaster's overall air quality index was 83, with individual indices for PM2.5 at 83, PM10 at 35, NO2 at 5, SO2 at 1, and O3 at 30. These values indicate moderate air quality, but it is important to continuously monitor and address air pollution to protect public health.
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Philadelphia's air pollution
Pennsylvania ranks among the most polluted US states, with Pittsburgh, Lancaster, and Philadelphia being the most polluted cities in the state. Philadelphia's air quality index (AQI) is 40, with a PM2.5 AQI of 30, an O3 AQI of 40, and an NO2 AQI of 2. The city's short-term particle pollution has remained unchanged since the previous year's report, with Delaware County receiving a D grade. However, Philadelphia's national rank improved to the 55th worst city for short-term particle pollution. The city also experienced lower year-round particle pollution levels compared to the previous year.
The Department of Public Health in Philadelphia provides real-time daily updates and resources about the city's air quality. They operate an ambient air monitoring network with ten permanent stations and a van equipped with air sensors to provide additional data. The Air Management Services (AMS) also measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) at some stations. During air quality emergencies, AMS collects data from the affected areas to assess air quality.
Particle pollution in Philadelphia can have significant health impacts on its residents. Inhaling fine particles can increase the risk of lung cancer, trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even lead to early death. People who work or exercise outdoors are at an increased risk from the effects of air pollution. Additionally, certain groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with lung diseases, are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.
To protect their health, residents can check the air quality forecast and avoid outdoor activities when unhealthy air is expected. Philadelphia's air quality data is available through various sources, including the Air Quality Widget, real-time air pollution maps, and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, which provides information on particle pollution from wildfires and other sources. These resources enable residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to minimize their exposure to air pollution.
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Climate change and pollution
Pennsylvania is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, with industrial facilities, power plants, mines, and other large polluters contributing to the state's poor air quality. The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report for 2023 ranks Pennsylvania cities among the worst in the nation for particle pollution, with Pittsburgh and Lancaster making the top 25 list for short-term and annual particle pollution. The report also highlights the damaging impact of industrial pollution on the state's air quality, which has led to a higher risk of health issues for its residents.
The Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton metro area, which includes parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, consistently ranks among the worst polluted cities in the country for both annual and short-term particle pollution. The area has experienced an increase in short-term spikes in particle pollution, which can have significant health impacts on vulnerable individuals, including children, older adults, and people with lung diseases.
Climate change plays a crucial role in exacerbating air pollution levels. It enhances the conditions for ozone pollution and makes it more challenging to improve air quality in communities with high ozone levels. Additionally, climate change increases the risk of wildfires, which contribute to dangerous particle pollution. Pennsylvania's climate is already being affected by global warming, with the state experiencing warmer and wetter weather in recent decades. Scientists predict that without quick action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Pennsylvania will face more extreme heat waves, rainfall, and droughts, leading to higher flood risks and negative impacts on public health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
To address these pressing issues, Pennsylvania must take decisive action to limit pollution from power plants and industrial sources, especially the highest-polluting facilities. The state has a unique opportunity and responsibility to act on climate change, given its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing emissions and transitioning from coal- to gas-fired power generation, Pennsylvania can improve its air quality and protect the health and well-being of its residents.
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Frequently asked questions
Pennsylvania is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases in the US, ranking as the fourth-largest greenhouse gas-emitting state in 2020.
Pittsburgh and Lancaster are the most polluted cities in Pennsylvania, ranking 20th and 24th respectively among the 25 most polluted cities in the US for short-term particle pollution.
Industrial facilities, power plants, mines, and other large polluters are the main sources of pollution in Pennsylvania. The state's Dirty Dozen facilities account for nearly one-fifth of the commonwealth's total climate pollution.
Air pollution in Pennsylvania can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, increase the risk of lung cancer, and even lead to early death, heart attacks, and strokes.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in monitoring and reducing air pollution in Pennsylvania. However, staffing and funding cuts may endanger their work.
