The American Lung Association’s State of the Air report for 2024 has identified the cleanest and most polluted cities in the United States based on year-round particle pollution levels. Bakersfield, California, emerged as the most polluted city, with an average particle pollution level of 18.8 µg/m3, more than double the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) baseline of 9 µg/m3. California had a significant presence in the top 10 most polluted cities, with six cities making the list. Oregon, Arizona, and Alaska each had one city among the top 10.
On the other end of the spectrum, the cleanest cities were largely concentrated in the western United States. Honolulu, Hawaii, ranked as the cleanest city with an average particle pollution level of just 3.7 µg/m3. Maui’s Lahaina metro area in Hawaii also placed highly at No. 3. Casper, Wyoming, came in second. Notably, Wilmington, North Carolina, and Bangor, Maine, were the only two East Coast cities to make it into the top 10 cleanest cities.
The report highlights the significant health risks associated with exposure to high levels of particle pollution, including premature death, hospitalization, and illness. The American Lung Association estimated that these particles are responsible for nearly 48,000 premature deaths in the United States annually. This report emphasizes the importance of implementing effective air quality measures to safeguard public health.
