One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Southern California Wins Most Polluted Air In The Country Award
Hollywood through the smog (Photo by Reginald Stanley via LAist Featured Photos pool) on Flickr
We've long known that the air quality in Southern California is far from perfect, but according to a new report from the American Lung Association, we've now topped the list for most polluted air in the country for the second year in a row.
The "State of the Air 2015" report, issued today, lists the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside region as having the worst ozone pollution problem in the nation and the fifth worst year-round and short term particle pollution.
Exposure to high levels of particle and ozone pollution places Los Angeles County residents at an increased risk for asthma attacks, lung cancer, heart attacks and other serious health issues. Some SoCal residents are at a higher risk of health hazards than others. However, those Angelenos with pre-existing conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and asthma, as well as children and the elderly, are at a higher risk than others. The report also emphasizes that those living closest to highways, busy roads and other pollution sources, as well as those living in low-income areas or working outdoors are particularly at risk.
And while the report reveals that Los Angeles and Southern California at large have made great improvements to air quality in recent years, the ongoing drought and pollution 'hot spots' continue to increase particle pollution levels in the region, according to CBS LA.
“The State of the Air 2015 report shows that California’s clean air laws and initiatives are working,” said Olivia Gertz, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in California. “However, over 70 percent of Californians—28 million residents—live in counties plagued with unhealthy air during certain parts of the year."
If Los Angeles hopes to finally move down the list of most polluted cities, the report recommends stronger air quality standards and increased monitoring of major pollution sources: freeways, major roadways, ports, rail yards, and trucking centers. The American Lung Association also encourages a renewed focus on zero-emission vehicles and fuels, as well as improved community planning to increase access to public transportation, walking and biking.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
