Air quality crisis: Nearly half of Americans at risk
Nearly half of Americans live in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution. This represents an increase of 25 million people compared to last year.
Key information
- 46% of Americans live in places with dangerous air quality.
- Bakersfield, California is recognized as the most polluted city.
- Climate changes exacerbate the pollution problem.
Almost half of the residents of the United States breathe air with hazardous levels of pollution. According to the ecowatch.com, this number has increased by 25 million people compared to last year. The American Lung Association's (ALAS) report highlights the alarming state of air quality in the country. The ALAS report includes three main categories of pollution: short-term and year-round particulate pollution and ozone pollution.
Bakersfield, California, has once again been recognized as the most polluted city in the USA for the sixth consecutive time. Other cities in the unfortunate rankings include Los Angeles, San Francisco, and metropolitan areas in Oregon, Texas, and Ohio. Although air pollution has decreased by 78% since 1970, recent years have seen a resurgence of harmful substances.
Climate changes, such as extreme heat, wildfires, and droughts, contribute to worsening air quality. Forest fires in Canada in 2023 had a significant impact on the northeastern states of the USA. A problem previously concerning primarily western states is now spreading east.
Deregulation of regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to withdraw over 30 rules concerning air quality standards. EPA Chief Lee Zeldin claims deregulation will benefit families and energy production. However, the American Lung Association warns it could undo years of progress.
Air pollution is associated with many serious health issues, such as asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer. Black individuals are especially at risk because facilities emitting pollution are often located in economically marginalized communities.
