Crisis in the air: Nearly half of Americans breathe toxic levels
Nearly half of Americans live in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution. This figure represents an increase of 25 million people compared to the previous year.
Key information
- 46% of Americans live in areas with dangerous air quality.
- Bakersfield, California is identified as the most polluted city.
- Climate change exacerbates the pollution problem.
Almost half of the residents of the United States are exposed to air with hazardous levels of pollution. According to the ecowatch.com, this number has risen by 25 million people compared to last year. The American Lung Association's (ALAS) report highlights the worrying state of air quality in the country. The ALAS report categorises pollution into three main types: short-term and year-round particulate pollution and ozone pollution.
Bakersfield, California, has again been identified 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 urban areas in Oregon, Texas, and Ohio. Although air pollution has decreased by 78% since 1970, recent years have seen a resurgence in harmful pollutants.
Climate change, including extreme heat, wildfires, and droughts, contributes to worsening air quality. Forest fires in Canada in 2023 significantly impacted northeastern states of the USA. A problem once confined primarily to western states is now spreading east.
Deregulation of rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to withdraw over 30 regulations 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 linked to many serious health issues, such as asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer. Black individuals are particularly at risk because facilities emitting pollution are often located in economically marginalised communities.
