Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a serious health threat in the United States, with nearly half of Americans living in areas with failing air quality grades. While California cities consistently rank among the top 10 most polluted places in the country, other regions, particularly those with large populations of color, are also experiencing high levels of air pollution. The Los Angeles-Long Beach area, for example, has ranked worst for ozone pollution 25 times in the past 26 years. Fairbanks, Houston-Pasadena, and Cleveland also have some of the worst air pollution in the nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Worst air pollution in a US state | Shafter, California |
| Worst air pollution in a US city | Los Angeles-Long Beach area |
| Worst air pollution in the US overall | California |
| Main sources of environmental pollution | Burning of fossil fuels, dust generated by traffic, biomass used for cooking and heating |
| Effects of air pollution | Asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, ischemic heart disease, early death |
| Groups disproportionately affected by air pollution | People of color, people with lower incomes, children, older adults, people with lung diseases |
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What You'll Learn
California cities have 6 of the top 10 spots for worst air pollution
California has some of the worst air pollution in the US, with six of its cities ranking in the top 10 spots for worst air pollution. The American Lung Association's State of the Air report for 2025 graded metropolitan areas and counties across California for ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution levels. The report found that the Los Angeles-Long Beach metropolitan area had the worst ozone pollution in the country, with an annual average of about 153.7 high ozone days from 2021 to 2023. This is a dramatic increase of 65 more high ozone days per year than the second-worst spot for ozone pollution in the nation.
The Bay Area is another California region that ranks among the top 10 for the most annual exposure to particle pollution. The region experiences frequent wildfires due to dry conditions, contributing to poor scores on all three measures of the report. The pollution in the Bay Area affects a total population of 9 million people, including almost 6 million people of colour.
Southern California is home to four of the nation's most polluted cities, with Ontario, Bloomington, Huntington Park, and San Bernardino ranking as the worst for fine particulate matter concentration. Glendora and two other central California cities, Visalia and Hanford, were also in the top 10. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, poses serious health risks, including lung and heart disease and reproductive issues, when inhaled.
Bakersfield, located in the Central Valley and surrounded by mountains, topped the list for both long and short-term particulate matter pollution and ranked third in ozone pollution. The area struggles with a "bowl" shape that traps air pollution, and pollution is fuelled by a mix of dry climate, vehicle emissions, oil, gas, and wildfires.
While California cities have some of the worst air pollution in the US, it is important to note that other regions, such as the East Coast, have also seen a rise in air pollution due to factors like wildfires and heatwaves. Additionally, it is worth considering the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of colour, as highlighted by studies showing that race is a significant predictor of air pollution exposure.
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Fairbanks ranks poorly for short-term particle pollution
Fairbanks, Alaska, ranks poorly for short-term particle pollution, coming in at number four on the list of most polluted cities for short-term particle pollution. This is largely due to the use of wood-burning stoves, which continues to be a major source of pollution in the area. Wildfire smoke, aggressive heating methods, and large vehicles also contribute to the poor air quality in Fairbanks.
The health effects of particle pollution are well-documented and range from mild irritation to serious illness and even premature death. Particle pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory issues. It can also lead to decreased lung function and cause cardiovascular damage, as well as developmental and reproductive harm.
Short-term spikes in particle pollution, lasting from a few hours to a few days, can have particularly harmful effects on human health. These spikes can be caused by various factors, including wildfire smoke, which is a common issue in Fairbanks. The cold-weather area struggles with the use of wood-burning stoves and aggressive heating methods, which further contribute to the short-term particle pollution levels.
It is important to note that air pollution disproportionately affects people of color and low-income communities. Race is often a stronger predictor of air pollution exposure than income level. This segregation has led to the placement of dirtiest industries and facilities near Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, as seen in cities like Birmingham. Climate change also plays a role in air pollution, enhancing conditions for ozone pollution and increasing the risk of wildfires, which spread dangerous particle pollution.
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The East Coast has seen a rise in air pollution
The East Coast of the United States has seen a rise in air pollution in recent years, with several states in the region experiencing poor air quality. Air pollution is a serious health threat, with the potential to trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even lead to premature death. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health.
Delaware, for example, regularly experiences high levels of ozone and PM2.5 pollution. On certain days, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delaware reaches levels that are unhealthy for some groups, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems. The AQI is an index that presents a numerical value corresponding to the level of concern for human health, with colours ranging from green (low concern) to maroon (very high concern).
In addition to Delaware, other East Coast states like California, Alabama, and New York have also been identified as having areas with poor air quality. California, in particular, has been noted as having the nation's worst air pollution, with levels of PM2.5 above the current EPA action level of 12 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). These high levels of pollution can have significant impacts on the health and well-being of residents in these areas.
One factor contributing to the rise in air pollution on the East Coast is the impact of climate change. Climate change enhances the conditions for ozone pollution to form and makes it harder to improve air quality in communities where ozone levels are already high. Additionally, climate change increases the risk of wildfires, which release dangerous particle pollution into the atmosphere. The East Coast's industrial history and the location of heavy industries near residential areas, particularly those with predominantly Black and Hispanic populations, have also been identified as contributing factors to the region's air pollution issues.
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Race is a predictor of air pollution exposure
Race is a significant predictor of air pollution exposure in the United States. People of colour, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, are disproportionately affected by air pollution, facing higher levels of exposure and increased health risks. This disparity persists regardless of income level or region, indicating that race is a more salient factor than economic status.
Numerous studies have confirmed the link between race and air pollution exposure. For example, a 2008 study found that communities with higher African American populations had a greater risk of premature death from air pollution. Similarly, a 2016 study of New Jersey residents revealed that communities with larger African American populations, lower home values, and lower median incomes experienced higher rates of early death from long-term particle pollution exposure.
The reasons for these disparities are complex and multifaceted. Structural racism and social exclusion have contributed to the disproportionate siting of roadways and pollution-emitting facilities in Black and low-income communities. Historical residential segregation has also played a role, as African Americans often live in areas with greater exposure to air pollution. Additionally, pollution sources tend to be located near disadvantaged communities, further increasing exposure to harmful pollutants for people of colour.
The health implications of these disparities are significant. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to lung and heart problems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with chronic diseases. The impact of air pollution on premature births and birth weight further exacerbates the issue. Addressing these environmental injustices and reducing air pollution exposure for people of colour is crucial to ensuring equal access to a healthy environment.
While the Clean Air Act has driven pollution reduction over the past five decades, more targeted regulations are needed to effectively mitigate the disproportionate impact of air pollution on racial and ethnic minority communities. By understanding the interplay between race and air pollution exposure, policymakers can design interventions that address environmental racism and promote equitable health outcomes for all.
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The Clean Air Act has improved air quality
The Act has lowered levels of common pollutants such as particles, ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, as well as numerous toxic pollutants. Between 1970 and 2020, emissions of these common pollutants dropped by 78%, and the US economy continued to grow. This dispels the notion that economic growth and pollution reduction are mutually exclusive. In fact, the money spent on reducing pollution contributes to the economy by going to companies that design, build, and operate pollution-reducing processes and equipment.
The Clean Air Act has also led to improvements in the motor vehicle fleet, with stricter emissions standards for new motor vehicles. As a result, airborne lead pollution, a significant health concern, now meets national air quality standards in most areas of the country. The Act has also reduced sulfur content in gasoline and diesel fuel, with sulfur in gasoline reduced by 90% and sulfur in diesel fuel by 99% from pre-regulation levels.
The health benefits of the Clean Air Act are significant. A 2011 EPA study found that in 2020 alone, reductions in fine particle pollution and ozone pollution due to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 avoided more than 2,300,000 premature deaths, 200,000 heart attacks, and millions of cases of respiratory problems. The Act has also contributed to keeping children healthy and in school, avoiding 5.4 million lost school days due to respiratory illnesses caused or exacerbated by air pollution.
Overall, the Clean Air Act has been instrumental in improving air quality in the US by reducing air pollution, protecting public health, and fostering economic growth.
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Frequently asked questions
California has the worst air pollution in the US, with six of its cities ranking in the top 10 spots for the worst air pollution.
Shafter, California has the worst air pollution in the state, with PM2.5 levels averaging 16.1 µg/m³.
Outside of California, cities that rank among the most polluted by PM2.5 concentration include Mission, Texas; Nampa, Idaho; and North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Yes, people of colour, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, are disproportionately affected by air pollution and face higher health risks, including higher cancer incidence and death rates.
