Latest news with #StateoftheAir
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Visalia ranks among worst in US for harmful pollutants in 2025 report
Visalia is once again among the worst in the nation for ozone and particle pollution, harmful pollutants and the 'main ingredient in smog' that experts say millions more Americans were exposed to nationwide in a new report. The American Lung Association released its State of the Air report for 2025, examining the levels of air pollution across the United States based on data compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for 2021-2023, the most recent period of nationwide, publicly available data. The report looks at two of the 'most widespread and dangerous' air pollutants: fine particles and ozone. Visalia ranked No. 2 in the American Lung Association's 25 worst cities for ozone, No. 2 in year-round particle pollution, and No. 3 in short-term particle pollution. Earlier studies have found that thousands of people living in Tulare County suffer from pediatric asthma, adult asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. California's soaring population and topography allow air pollution to overcome the state's strict environmental laws, and Highway 99 and the Interstate 5 accommodates thousands of trucks on a daily basis, earlier studies have found. Tulare County: Unhealthy air quality across the Valley Ozone pollution isn't just a California problem, as nearly 25 million more people across the nation, based on last year's figure, have been exposed to ozone levels that put their health at risk. More than 125 million people live in counties with F grades for ozone pollution, the lowest grade possible and reflective of a poor score that involves the Air Quality Index. 'The severity of the problem and the abruptness of the change are unprecedented in magnitude,' the report said. 'Nationwide, nearly five times as many counties' ozone levels worsened as improved.' The smoke spreading from wildfires in Canada in 2023 and high temperatures combined with emissions in the South are large factors of the worsening ozone, according to the report. Pollution: Visalia ranked second worst in state Fine particles refer to the size of particle pollution or particulate matter, a term for the mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air that poses health threats, according to the EPA and the American Lung Association. Fine particles are 'most often a by-product of burning wood or fossil fuels, and may include components such as toxic compounds, salts and metals,' said the American Lung Association. The 'main ingredient in smog,' ozone — or more specifically, ground-level ozone as opposed to the ozone naturally occuring higher in our atmosphere that protects us — is created by a chemical reaction involving sunlight and pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, refineries and other sources, according to the EPA. Among the health effects between the two pollutants include aggravating asthma, damage to the airways and decreased lung function, irregular heartbeat and premature death in people with heart or lung disease, said the EPA. The American Lung Association's report found that 156.1 million Americans are living in places that receive failing grades for its ozone or particle pollution, which is up nearly 25 million more people compared to last year's report. Extreme heat, drought and wildfires are worsening air pollution levels in the nation, the report said. Nine California metro areas were ranked in the American Lung Association's 25 worst cities for ozone. Here's which: Los Angeles-Long Beach: No. 1 Visalia: No. 2 Bakersfield-Delano: No. 3 Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran: No. 5 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad: No. 8 Sacramento-Roseville: No. 11 San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland: No. 14 El Centro: No. 17 Redding-Red Bluff: No. 24 The American Lung Association also released the worst 25 cities nationwide pertaining to year-round particle pollution. Here are the places in California that made the list. Bakersfield-Delano: No. 1 Visalia: No. 2 Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran: No. 3 Los Angeles-Long Beach: No. 5 San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland: No. 6 Sacramento-Roseville: No. 14 El Centro: No. 23 The American Lung Association also released the worst 25 cities nationwide pertaining to short-term particle pollution. Here are the places in California that made the list. Bakersfield-Delano: No. 1 Visalia: No. 3 Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran: No. 5 Reno-Carson City-Gardnerville Ranchos (both Nevada and California): No. 6 Los Angeles-Long Beach: No. 7 Sacramento-Roseville: No. 10 San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland: No. 11 Redding-Red Blugg: No. 16 Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@ This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Report: The worst areas for air pollution in US are in Visalia
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Central Texas' air quality could use improvement
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The American Lung Association has, for 26 years, analyzed data from air quality monitors to compile the State of the Air report. Part of the goal of this report is to make citizens aware of the air they breathe in order to protect their health. Rich Segal spoke with Clean Air Force Executive Director Jim Stephens about the 2025 report. Stephens cited statistics and reasons for the grade this area received, along with potential solutions that could improve the grade. The report looks at levels of ozone 'smog'—the air pollutant affecting the largest number of people in the country. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro grading This year, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area ranked 46th worst in the nation for ozone pollution. The ranking was based on this area's worst county average of the number of unhealthy days. In Travis County specifically, the number of unhealthy days was 5.7 per year, a grade of F. Last year, that number was 2.3 days, a grade of D. The second category tracked short-term particulate pollution, which can be extremely dangerous and worse. Austin-Round-San Marcos ranked 156th worst in the nation for short-term particle pollution, which was equivalent to a B grade. This was, however, better than the 2024 ranking of 101st worst, also a B grade. When combined, Travis County received a grade of F for pollution levels above the federal standard. The area ranks 39th worst in the nation, worse than last year's report, which showed the area as being the 54th worst. What contributed to this failing grade? The increase in the area's population means there are more cars on the roads, leading to belching exhaust from tailpipes … ozone. Construction projects continue to multiply, causing dust to enter the atmosphere … particulate matter. Add to that the fine particulate matter that affects the area from the seasonal agricultural burning that drifts north from Mexico and Central America. And, there's also the fine particulate matter from the Saharan dust layer. As the country observes Air Quality Awareness Week (May 5-9), there are ways to mitigate this and to improve the grade. One is to think about purchasing electric cars and hybrids. Consider filling your gas tank early in the morning or late in the day. Stephens cites an even bigger reason for the failing grade. Idling cars lead to increasing levels of ozone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Atlanta advocacy group urges action on air quality
The Brief Mothers & Others for Clean Air held a news conference during Air Quality Awareness Week, urging Atlanta leaders to invest in clean air initiatives amid worsening pollution levels. The American Lung Association's 2025 "State of the Air" report ranks Atlanta as the Southeast's third-worst city for ozone pollution and ties it for fourth-worst in year-round particle pollution. Advocates warn that federal cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency jeopardize public health and hinder efforts to improve air quality in Georgia. ATLANTA - As the nation observes Air Quality Awareness Week, the advocacy group Mothers & Others for Clean Air held a news conference Tuesday to highlight growing concerns over the city's air quality and to call for stronger investments in clean air initiatives. What we know The event coincides with the CleanMed 2025 conference, a national healthcare sustainability gathering taking place this week in Atlanta. The group emphasized the urgency of addressing air pollution, citing the American Lung Association's latest "State of the Air" report, which gave poor grades to several metro Atlanta counties. RELATED: Atlanta's air quality among worst in Southeast, report finds What they're saying The organization called on city leaders to commit to substantial air quality investments, stressing that clean air is essential for the well-being of all residents. Air Quality Awareness Week, observed from May 5–9, aims to increase public understanding of air pollution and its health impacts. The theme for 2025 is "Stay Air Aware," encouraging individuals and communities to be mindful of air quality in their daily lives.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning as 50,000 people in major state are warned to stay indoors Tuesday or risk death
An urgent public health warning has been issued for tens of thousands of Florida residents with federal officials anticipating dangerous air quality levels descending on the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday. More than 50,000 seniors are being advised to stay indoors at the risk of contracting a serious illness, or worse. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is forecasting air quality in the Tampa metro region to plunge into the 'orange' zone on the Air Quality Index (AQI), a level classified as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' Officials say for the more than 13 percent of Tampa's population aged 65 and over, they should not step outside unless absolutely necessary. Making things more dangerous is that it is not smog that can be seen in the air or like a wildfire that can be smelled on the breeze. Instead it is a chemical soup of ozone and particulate pollution that infiltrates lungs, weakens immune systems, and worsens chronic conditions. For Tampa's most vulnerable, the consequences could be life-threatening. According to the EPA, the orange AQI level (101–150) marks the point at which outdoor air becomes a threat to anyone with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory illnesses. Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even chest pain can appear or intensify - and for some, may require emergency medical intervention. 'The Air Quality Index's health advisory messages for sensitive groups can only be effective if people recognize themselves as part of a sensitive group and take appropriate precautions,' Katherine Pruitt, Senior Director of Nationwide Clean Air Policy at the American Lung Association, told Newsweek. 'Research has shown that is not necessarily the case.' Such a warning looms large in Tampa, where census data show that more 50,000 residents are over the age of 65, and an untold number more suffer from asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung and heart conditions. While the Tampa area is the only region in the US currently forecast to hit such hazardous air levels on Tuesday, the threat reflects a broader, disturbing trend. The American Lung Association's 'State of the Air 2025' report reveals that over 156 million Americans, nearly half the country, now live in areas with failing grades for ozone or particulate pollution. A jump of 25 million in just one year. Tampa may just be the latest warning shot in what health experts say is a climate-driven public health crisis. Despite the EPA's forecast, no formal air quality alert has been issued yet because orange-level conditions don't automatically trigger emergency warnings. However, medical experts say the absence of an alert doesn't mean the risk isn't real. Under these conditions, the EPA urges that 'children and adults with lung disease and older adults should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.' For asthma sufferers, this could mean increased use of inhalers, emergency room visits, or worse. 'Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't deadly,' one Tampa pulmonologist said on condition of anonymity. 'People over 65 need to treat these warnings as seriously as they would a heatwave or hurricane.' The EPA recommends the following precautions for residents in affected zones: Stay indoors, especially between 10am and 6pm, when ozone levels peak. Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning with clean filters. Avoid strenuous activity outdoors, even if you feel fine. Monitor symptoms: any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, or breathing difficulty should prompt immediate medical attention.
Axios
05-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Philadelphia gets an F on air quality metrics
Philadelphia's air quality is worsening and exposing people to potentially dangerous levels of pollution, per a new report. Why it matters: Air pollution threatens everyone's health — especially children, older people and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions. The big picture: 46% of Americans — just over 156 million people — are living in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, per the American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air report. Meanwhile, the Philly region ranked poorly among U.S. cities for pollution, per the 2021-2023 data. Zoom in: Philly proper received an F grade for the number of days with high ozone and particle pollution, per the report. The city was one of the few areas that received failing grades for ozone smog and particle pollution. By the numbers: The city had short-term spikes in particle pollution, with an estimated 5.8 unhealthy days per year on average. Last year, Philly received a C. Another measure: The Philly region ranked 43rd-worst in the nation for ozone smog. Threat level: The lung association says that "short-term exposure, such as from peaks or spikes in particle pollution that lasts from hours to days, can kill." Context: The Philly region, per the report, is vast and includes northeastern Maryland, parts of Pennsylvania's Delaware, Berks and Bucks counties, and South Jersey down to Cape May. What they're saying: Philly's ranking was particularly impacted by the 2023 wildfire smoke. But even without the worsening effects of wildfires, Philly had failing grades for air quality conditions, Kevin Stewart, director of environmental health at ALA and co-author of the report, tells Axios. "We know that as climate change has its influence, it will make these [wildfire] events more likely to occur," he said. How it works: The report uses local air quality data to grade and rank locations based on ozone pollution, daily particle pollution and annual particle pollution. Zoom out: California's Los Angeles, Visalia and Bakersfield lead the lung association's new rankings of U.S. metros most affected by ozone pollution.
