Bangor, Maine, is the only city remaining on all three of the American Lung Association’s “cleanest cities” lists, a development the association called “a worrying indicator of deteriorating air quality nationwide.”
According to the association, Bangor has not recorded any days of unhealthy ozone or particulate matter pollution and has some of the lowest levels of hazardous particulate matter pollution year-round in the United States.
The association’s annual “State of the Air” report typically includes at least one other city on all three lists. In some years, multiple cities have been included. But this year’s report, released Wednesday, shows Bangor standing alone.
The report indicates that air quality in the United States poses a risk to millions of Americans, with nearly half the population—approximately 152 million people—breathing unhealthy air and living in counties that receive a failing grade for air pollution.
Health damage from air pollution:
Ozone and particulate matter pollution are among the most widespread and dangerous pollutants measured by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Particulate matter pollution poses a significant risk to human health due to its extremely small size—a fraction of the width of a human hair—allowing it to bypass the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
When inhaled, these particles can settle in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing irritation and inflammation.
Even in the short term, exposure to particulate matter pollution can lead to breathing problems or even trigger heart attacks.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this type of pollution is a major contributor to premature deaths worldwide.
Exposure to particulate matter may also increase the risk of developing conditions such as certain cancers, strokes, asthma, premature births, dementia, depression, and anxiety.
Ozone pollution, also known as smog, is the presence of ozone at ground level. It forms when chemicals such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by power plants, vehicle exhaust, fuel vapors, industrial facilities, and chemical solvents react with sunlight.
Exposure to ozone pollution can cause short-term asthma attacks and chest pain, while long-term exposure can lead to a decline in lung function and premature death.
The data in the new report covers the period from 2022 to 2024 and is the most recent available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Los Angeles remains the city with the worst ozone pollution in the United States, as it has been in almost every year for the 27 years since the report was compiled.
Bakersfield, California, retained its position as the city with the worst year-round particulate matter pollution for the seventh consecutive year, although it showed some improvement this year in short-term pollution.
Now, Fairbanks, Alaska, has topped the list for worst particulate matter pollution.
Bangor received an “A” rating for both ozone and particulate matter pollution, ranking tenth on a list of 25 cities with the lowest annual particulate matter levels. Bozeman, Montana, topped the list this year.
