Recent research revealed that more than 58 million Americans had more than 100 days of filthy air in 2020 rated US cities with the worst air pollution levels.
Studies published earlier this month, at the California San Diego – Chula Vista-Carlizbad with more days of ozone and pm 2.5 (particular 2.5) AQI (Air Quality Index) above 50 showed the research of the Environment America research & policy centre, the Frontier Group and the United States PIRG Education Fund.
Any AQI value between 51 and 100 has the potential for danger to some sensitive populations, classified as ‘moderate’ air quality.
PM 2.5 is often detected in smoke from wild fire that in the past several seasons has afflicted states on both coasts.
The LA-Anaheim area was second, with Riverside-San-Bernardino-Ontario rated third, 209 days. The region was second.
Arizona ranked fourth in 149 days in the area of Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler and fifth in Colorado’s Denver-Aurora-Lakewood.
Areas also ranked in the top ten were Texas, Ohio and Indiana.
Air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. Because air pollution is so widespread, it’s often difficult to track or determine its harmful effects. This makes it difficult to assess the importance of reducing air pollution.
The effects of air pollution on human health are wide-ranging. Air pollution can cause or contribute to a variety of health problems, including respiratory illnesses like asthma, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Air pollution can also contribute to premature birth and low birth weight.
Air pollution can also damage the environment. The effects of air pollution on ecosystems include harmful algal blooms, increased plant and insect mortality, and stream and river sedimentation, which reduces the oxygen available for aquatic life.
Air pollution can also contribute to climate change. Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increase as a result of air pollution. These emissions contribute to climate change, which negatively affects human health and ecosystems.
