Air In America’s Most Polluted City Is Dangerous
The American Lung Association has issued its 26th annual State of the Air research report. The research finds that “even after decades of successful efforts to reduce sources of air pollution, 46% of Americans—156.1 million people—are living in places that get failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.” The experts say wildfires, drought, and extreme heat are contributors.
The study divides air pollution into three categories: ozone air pollution, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution. Bakersfield, California, tops the list as the Most Polluted City in America.
Across the three ratings, Bakersfield ranks third nationwide in ozone, first in year-round particle pollution, and first in short-term particle pollution. It is located inland from the Pacific Coast and northeast of Los Angeles. Its population is just over 400,000.
California Trouble
Visalia ranks second on the list. It is north of Bakersfield by about 80 miles. Los Angeles is tied for third with Fresno, which is about 100 miles north of Bakersfield,
Severe air pollution can cause lung cancer, asthma, premature death, heart attacks and strokes, reduced cognitive function, and premature births. Those at risk the most are the people who live nearest the source of pollution, those who have preexisting conditions like heart disease, those who do not have access to healthcare, and those who are at risk of psychosocial stress. The researchers said, “These risk factors are not mutually exclusive and often interact in ways that lead to significant health inequities among subgroups of the population.”
The cities with the cleanest are located in Hawaii, Maine, and Wyoming.
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