Pollution leads to several health problems and is one of the most significant issues plaguing the modern world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 7 million premature deaths annually due to the effects of air pollution. It also causes some of the deadliest diseases like strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases.
In the United States, the latest 2023 report by the American Lung Association presents a striking breakdown of some of the worst cities in terms of pollution. The list is divided into three categories: ground-level ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution. The ranking itself is based on the annual pollution per area.
1. Bakersfield, California
Due to the highest year-round particle pollution, Bakersfield is considered the most polluted city in the United States. It also has the highest short-term particle pollution, ranking it in this category. Ground-level ozone gives it the third worst rank for high ozone days out of 227 metropolitan areas.
2. Visalia, California
Coming in second is Visalia in the state of California, which has a high amount of particle pollution year-round. In the short-term category, it is ranked as the second worst city for high ozone days out of 227 metropolitan areas. Additionally, it also received a rank of 4 for 24-hour particle pollution.
3. Fresno-Madera-Hanford, California
Of 200 metropolitan areas, Fresno-Madera-Hanford is third for the highest pollution levels in 2023. It is the second worst in terms of 24-hour particle pollution and the 4th worst for high ozone days, which is leading to detrimental consequences.
4. Los Angeles-Long Beach, California
Los Angeles-Long Beach takes the fourth position. The area has a significant level of annual pollution, making it one of the most terrible cities to live in when it comes to quality of life. It’s also ranked ninth for 24-hour particle pollution. Not only does the city have the worst ground-level ozone in the country, but it has topped the list consistently for 23 of the 24 years this report has been calculated.
5. Fairbanks, Alaska
Despite being the cleanest city in terms of ozone, Fairbanks is the fifth most polluted city due to the high level of contaminated particles found here annually. It also ranks third worst for 24-hour particle pollution out of 223 metropolitan areas, highlighting the need for swift action in the city.
6. Sacramento-Roseville, California
Sacramento-Roseville ranks sixth on this list. The city has a high level of annual particle pollution out of 200 metropolitan areas. It ranks seventh worst for high ozone days and eighth worst for 24-hour particle pollution. The data indicates that the quality of life in this area needs to be improved to minimize the risk of deadly diseases.
7. Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona
Phoenix-Mesa is in seventh place due to its pollution spike in 2023. For 24-hour particle pollution, it’s 13th out of 223 metropolitan areas, indicating the need for swift action. Additionally, in terms of short-term pollution particles, it ranks fifth worst.
8. San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, California
San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland ties with the previous city because of this area’s high year-round pollution. Compared to some other cities, it ranks sixth when it comes to short-term particle pollution out of 223 metropolitan areas. It has also received a rank of 11 out of 227 places for high-ozone days in the city.
9. Medford-Grants Pass, Oregon
Tying with the previous two areas, Medford-Grants Pass also received a rank of seventh for its highly polluted state in 2023. When it comes to high ozone days, it has a position of 75, which is comparatively less than the rest of the cities on the list. It has also received a level of 25 forĀ 24-hour particle pollution out of 223 metropolitan areas.
10. Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie, Indiana
Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie comes in tenth due to this area’s annual pollution. The city needs strict regulations and pollution control. It ranks 37th worst for 24-hour particle pollution out of 223 metropolitan areas and 65th for high ozone days out of 227 metropolitan areas.
11. Yakima, Washington
Yakima, Washington, is in 11th place. The city is plagued by severe droughts and wildfires that contributed to its annual ranking. On top of that, it also ranked eleventh worst for 24-hour particle pollution out of 223 metropolitan areas. Due to the situation, it’s recommended residents and visitors check the Air Quality Index before heading out.
12. Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, Michigan
Due to severe annual contaminated particles, Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor takes the 12th spot on the list. To minimize the rate of pollutants, it’s ideal to use bicycles and other means of transport to curb the problem. This area also ranked 32nd worst for high ozone days out of 227 metropolitan areas and 35th worst for 24-hour particle pollution out of 223 urban areas.
13. Chico, California
Chico takes the 13th spot with a high level of annual pollution. Local governments are advised to make a proper climate action plan to counter the rising rate of pollution. The city also received a rank of ninth for 24-hour particle pollution and a position of 26 for high ozone days out of 227 metropolitan areas.
14. Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton takes the 14th spot, with a staggering amount of polluted particles found year-round. Additionally, the site is marked by short-term pollutants that give it a rank of 20. Long- and short-term measures are crucial to reducing asthma and lung-related diseases. Despite the alarming pollution rates, high-ozone days are relatively few, giving it a rank of 54 in this category.
15. Eugene-Springfield, Oregon
The last spot on the list goes to Eugene-Springfield, which is characterized by a large amount of pollutants year-round. Of 227 metropolitan areas, it ranked 111th worst for high ozone days. Additionally, the place received a rank of 12 for 24-hour particle pollution out of 223 urban areas.
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