Unveiling the Breathing Health Hazards: LA News Center Reports on Air Pollution Concerns
The American Lung Association (ALA) has unveiled its 2024 State of the Air report, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing America’s air quality. While efforts have been made towards improving air cleanliness, the report paints a sobering picture: nearly 40% of Americans continue to reside in areas with unhealthy air.
California’s Unfavorable Air Quality
For the Golden State, the report indicates that the majority of counties continue to grapple with high ozone levels. Among the 48 counties with available data, 29 received an “F” grade, encompassing all of Southern California.
Southern California Counties with the Most Ozone Days
| County | Weighted Average of High Ozone Days | Orange Days | Red Days | Purple Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino | 175.2 | 195 | 175 | 34 |
| Riverside | 128 | 229 | 90 | 10 |
| Los Angeles | 114.8 | 182 | 87 | 16 |
| San Diego | 25.2 | 68 | 5 | 0 |
| Orange | 18.3 | 36 | 10 | 2 |
| Imperial | 15.2 | 41 | 3 | 0 |
| Ventura | 14.5 | 39 | 3 | 0 |
While ozone levels dominate the concerns in Southern California, particle pollution also remains a problem. Of the 45 counties reporting data, only Ventura managed to escape an “F” grade, achieving a “D.”
Southern California Counties with the Highest Particle Pollution
| County | Rank | Weighted Average |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside | 1 | 128 |
| San Bernardino | 2 | 175.2 |
| Los Angeles | 6 | 114.8 |
| San Diego | 18 | 25.2 |
National Concerns
Overall, the ALA report reveals that Visalia and Bakersfield have some of the worst air quality in the country.
Cities with the Lowest Air Quality
| City | Ozone Rank | Year-Round Particle Pollution Rank | Short-Term Particle Pollution Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Fresno-Madera-Hanford | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach | 1 | 6 | 11 |
| Sacramento-Roseville | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | 8 | Not Available | 18 |
| San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland | 12 | 5 | 7 |
| Visalia | 2 | 2 | 5 |
Contributing Factors and Health Impacts
The ALA attributes the increase in unhealthy air quality to a combination of factors, including extreme heat, drought, and wildfires. These factors contribute to increased particle pollution, particularly in the western United States.
The report also highlights the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of color. Despite representing 41.6% of the US population, people of color make up 52% of those living in counties with failing air quality grades.
Conclusion
The LA News Center urges Angelenos to be aware of the potential health risks associated with air pollution and to take steps to protect themselves. The ALA recommends measures such as using air filters in homes and vehicles, avoiding outdoor activities on high pollution days, and advocating for policies that reduce emissions.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
