Bronte Wells
Air pollution is a serious issue in the United States, with nearly half of the population living in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. While levels of air pollution have been steadily declining due to the adoption of cleaner energy sources and the decline of coal, certain areas of the country continue to suffer from poor air quality. The State of the Air report by the American Lung Association found that 46% of Americans (approximately 156 million people) reside in places with failing grades for ozone or particle pollution. The report also highlighted that communities of color are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air and are more vulnerable to the health risks associated with air pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Americans living in places with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution | 156.1 million |
| Number of Americans living in places with unhealthy air | Nearly 25 million more than the previous year |
| Percentage of Americans living in places with unhealthy air | 46% |
| Number of counties that received failing grades for all three measures of pollution | 30 |
| Number of Americans living in counties that received failing grades for ozone or particle pollution | 156 million |
| Number of Americans living in counties that received failing grades for all three air pollution measures | 42 million |
| Number of people vulnerable to the effects of air pollution | Millions |
| Groups vulnerable to air pollution | Children, older adults, people with lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, people of color, and people with lower incomes |
| Worst state for short-term particle pollution | Bakersfield, California |
| Cities with poor air quality | Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Houston, Indianapolis |
| Main sources of air pollution in cities | Transportation, power plants, manufacturing, delivery trucks, coal in power stations, animal husbandry, arable farming, mining, construction, vehicular emissions |
| Impact of air pollution on the US economy | Around 5% of the total GDP (estimated at $790 billion in 2014) |
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What You'll Learn
The racial disparity in air pollution exposure
Despite overall reductions in air pollution in the US, the burden of air pollution is not shared equally among its population. Research has shown that racial and ethnic minorities, especially non-Hispanic Blacks, are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air. People of colour are more likely to live in counties with higher levels of pollution and experience greater than average exposures from source types causing 75% of overall exposure.
A 2022 study from the Harvard Chan School found that racial and ethnic minorities and lower-income groups in the US are exposed to higher levels of fine particulate pollution (PM2.5). The study, which linked 17 years of demographic data with data on particulate pollution, revealed stark disparities in exposure among these groups. The researchers also found that from 2004 to 2016, lower-income areas had been exposed to higher average PM2.5 levels than higher-income areas.
The reasons for these disparities are complex and multifaceted. Historical housing policies and other systemic factors have contributed to the concentration of people of colour in areas with higher pollution levels. Additionally, pollution sources tend to be located near disadvantaged communities, further increasing exposure to harmful pollutants. Lower-income groups may also have limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, and good job opportunities, which can compound the health impacts of air pollution.
Furthermore, people of colour are more likely to have existing health conditions that make them more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. For example, they have higher rates of asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, which can be exacerbated by poor air quality. A 2008 study found a greater risk of premature death in communities with higher African American populations, and a 2016 study of New Jersey residents showed an increased risk of early death from long-term exposure to particle pollution in predominantly African American communities.
Addressing these disparities requires strong, targeted air pollution reduction strategies that aim to protect all people from environmental hazards, regardless of race or income. It is crucial to recognise the role of systemic racism in creating and perpetuating these inequalities and to work towards environmental justice for all.
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The impact of COVID-19 on air quality
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on air quality in the United States. As lockdown measures were implemented across the country, there was a notable reduction in traffic and economic activities, which led to a decrease in air pollution levels. This provided an unprecedented opportunity to assess the relationship between human activity and air quality.
During the pandemic, millions of cars were off the roads, and many businesses were closed, resulting in a significant drop in emissions from transportation and manufacturing. This led to a noticeable improvement in air quality, particularly in cities with typically high levels of pollution, such as Los Angeles. In April 2020, Los Angeles, known for its poor air quality, experienced some of the cleanest air in the world due to the regional shutdowns in California.
However, the pandemic also highlighted the unequal burden of living with unhealthy air. Communities of color were found to be disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air and were more likely to have existing chronic conditions that made them more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Additionally, the economic impact of the pandemic threatened the funding and staffing of organizations dedicated to protecting public health from air pollution, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
While the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary improvement in air quality, the long-term impact is more complex. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during the pandemic may be short-lived if governments and societies do not actively promote the use of renewable energy sources and implement policies to mitigate climate change. Additionally, the pandemic has had a lasting impact on public health, with a decrease in premature mortality attributable to ambient air pollution.
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Agricultural sector pollution
Agricultural practices also impact water quality. Fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock manure can contaminate water sources through runoff, infiltration, and irrigation. This leads to increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies, causing eutrophication and hypoxia, which are harmful to aquatic life and can result in fish kills and a decline in biodiversity. Additionally, bacteria from manure can contaminate drinking water supplies and affect recreational activities.
To address these issues, farmers can implement nutrient management techniques, such as applying fertilizers and manure in the correct amounts and at the right times, using conservation drainage practices, and ensuring year-round ground cover to prevent soil erosion. Collaboration between farmers, state governments, conservation groups, and community organizations is also essential for reducing nutrient pollution in both water and air.
While air pollution levels have been declining in recent years due to the adoption of cleaner energy sources and the reduction of emissions from transportation, power plants, and manufacturing, the agricultural sector has seen a disproportionate increase in pollution compared to its contributions to GDP. This highlights the need for continued efforts to mitigate agricultural pollution and protect public health and the environment.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the impacts of air pollution are not evenly distributed. Communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution, with nearly half of the US population living in areas with unhealthy air quality. This inequality underscores the urgency of addressing air pollution, especially in vulnerable communities, to ensure that everyone has access to clean air and to mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution exposure.
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Vehicular emissions
The New York Times, using data from Boston University, identified the 100 metropolitan areas with the highest total emissions from driving. The New York area, home to 20 million people, had the largest share of driving-related CO2 emissions. However, when adjusted for population density, New York contributed far less CO2 per capita than other cities like Dallas. This is because New York is denser and more transit-friendly, allowing residents to drive less on average than those in more car-dependent areas.
Freight trucking is also on the rise, and federal fuel economy standards have been weakened, which will likely lead to increased emissions from America's cars and trucks. Despite this, there are local and regional initiatives to combat vehicle emissions, such as New York City's plan to charge drivers a fee for entering highly congested areas.
The environmental and health impacts of vehicular emissions are significant. Air pollution has been estimated to negatively impact the US economy by around 5% of the total GDP, largely due to premature deaths and health issues caused by high exposure to PM2.5 particles. Additionally, certain groups, such as young children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, are more vulnerable to the negative health effects of air pollution.
To address vehicular emissions, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have implemented standards for fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, the EPA issued revised standards for passenger cars and light trucks, while the NHTSA released fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles for 2024-2026. Additionally, President Biden signed an executive order setting a non-binding target of making 50% of passenger cars and light-duty trucks zero-emission by 2030. These efforts aim to reduce gasoline use and lower tailpipe emissions, bringing economic and public health benefits.
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The effect of air pollution on children
Air pollution is one of the greatest threats to children's health worldwide. In the US, nearly half of the population lives with unhealthy levels of air pollution, and children are especially vulnerable to its effects. Young children are more susceptible to developing allergies and other similar health problems during their formative years, which can have lifelong consequences.
Children's breathing rates are higher than those of adults, and they also inhale a larger volume of air per kilogram of body weight. Their higher breathing rates are due in part to their increased physical activity and the fact that they breathe faster. Children also tend to breathe more through their mouths, which allows pollution to penetrate deeper into the lower respiratory tract. As children are shorter, they also tend to breathe in more polluted air as it becomes concentrated closer to the ground, especially from traffic exhausts.
The adverse health effects of air pollution on children are well documented. It increases the risk of respiratory infections, including acute lower respiratory infections, pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, and otitis media (ear infections). Short-term exposure to air pollution may also exacerbate allergies, including allergic rhinitis (runny nose), eczema, and conjunctivitis (itchy eyes). Children who engage in sporting activities or spend more time outdoors are at an increased risk of experiencing these adverse health effects.
Ambient air pollution has also been linked to an increased prevalence of asthma symptoms and childhood asthma, with asthmatic children being more susceptible to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Children exposed to higher levels of air pollution experience decreased lung function and growth, while those in areas with lower levels of pollution show increased lung function. Air pollution has also been associated with an increased risk of pre-term birth, low birth weight, and smaller babies during pregnancy.
In the US, the geographic distribution of air pollution is shifting back east, with central and eastern states experiencing higher levels of ozone and particle pollution due to factors such as extreme heat, drought, and wildfires. As a result, millions of people in these regions are at risk of experiencing the negative health impacts of air pollution, with children being particularly vulnerable.
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