The worst U.S. states for air quality

The air we breathe is one of the most essential factors in our well-being. 

Humans take about 22,000 breaths daily, inhaling life-sustaining oxygen while taking in harmful pollutants from natural and man-made sources.

While most pollutants are invisible to the naked eye, their impacts on human health are well-documented. In several studies, a decrease of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter was associated with an increase of approximately one year in life expectancy. 

Because the county with the worst air quality in the United States has about 18 more micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter than the county with the cleanest air, where you live in the United States can significantly impact your health. 

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Key findings 

• Arizona is the state with the worst air quality on average. The nation-leading AQI of 48.8 is mainly due to air pollution in Phoenix, the largest city in the state, which spent a third of last year under conditions deemed by the EPA as unhealthy.

• The state with the best air quality is Alaska, with an AQI of just 17.3.

• Hawaii is the state that has the worst sulfur dioxide pollution of any state by far — primarily due to the presence of active volcanoes on the archipelago.

• All 20 cities with the worst air quality overall are in the Sun Belt states of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas, where extreme heat and rapid urbanization create a vicious cycle of air pollution.

• The city with the best air quality is Chatham, Virginia.

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Arizona has the worst air in the United States, followed by California

Our map of the best and worst states for air quality shows the myriad sources and trends of harmful air pollutants. In the western states of Arizona, California and Utah, for example, poor air quality is primarily the result of rapid urbanization and unique climate factors that exacerbate air pollution issues. 

Massive dust storms can generate particulate matter in an arid state like Arizona. Meanwhile, in California, recurring wildfires release vast amounts of smoke and pollutants that get trapped in the atmosphere.

Other states that rank among the worst in air quality include states with histories of industrialization and heavy manufacturing, such as Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While air pollution overall has fallen significantly since the Clean Air Act of 1970, the legacy of factories, power plants and other industrial facilities in these states continues to impact the health of their populations.

Top 5 worst U.S. states for air quality

#1. Arizona (Median AQI: 48.77)

Image Source: Wikimedia

The arid regions of Arizona are well known for their sudden dust storms on windy days. A dust storm occurs when a large mass of cold, unstable air rushes across dry ground that’s covered with loose silt and fine sand — whipping up a storm. They can be dangerous (and scary) if you find yourself stuck in one. 

Known as haboobs, the dust storms in Arizona tend to be more severe than in other areas. Arizona’s most intense dust storms occur during the summer — because of strong downdrafts generated by intense monsoonal thunderstorm activity. 

#2. California (Median AQI: 47.75)

Image Source: EricF2000, Flickr

California has a history of severe wildfires due to its dry weather and hot summers. But the state has experienced some of the most devastating wildfire seasons on record in recent years. According to CARB, about 25 million acres —a quarter of California’s land— are currently at very high or extreme fire risk.

These massive wildfires produce dense and hazardous smoke that can contaminate the air for months or even years. The smoke can travel extensive distances, reaching urban areas that are far removed from the actual fire sources. 

#3. Utah (Median AQI: 42.20)

Image Source: Wikimedia

Utah’s typically clear skies during winter can transform into a hazy and smoggy spectacle. The foggy skies are usually the product of an atmospheric phenomenon known as inversion, in which common pollutants, otherwise not so visible, build up in the air up to unhealthy levels.

Inversions happen when the cold air near the surface gets trapped beneath a layer of warmer air above. Following a snowstorm, the calm winds reduce the natural mixing of cold and warm air, while the combination of clear skies and long nights allows the ground to cool over an extended period. As a result, the surface temperature drops further and the temperature difference becomes more pronounced. 

#4. Illinois (Median AQI: 41.30)

Image Source: WTTW / 2013, Jeremy Atherton

Illinois faces significant challenges concerning ozone and particulate matter pollution. According to the American Lung Association’s 2022 State of the Air report, six counties, including Cook, Lake and Madison County, exhibited unhealthy levels of ozone pollution, also known as smog. Chicago also ranked 16th among the most-polluted cities nationwide for ozone and 22nd for annual particle pollution.

Ground-level ozone arises from emissions emitted by vehicles, power plants and various industrial sources. These emissions react with sunlight, forming ozone. Drought, warm weather and stagnant air contribute to higher ozone levels, especially during summer.

#5. Oklahoma (Median AQI: 40.35)

Image Source: KFOR

Like in Illinois, Oklahoma’s primary air pollutants are ozone and particulate matter. The American Lung Association’s 2022 State of the Air report showed increased levels of both contaminants, especially in Oklahoma City. 

Oklahoma City’s industrial nature, including chemical manufacturing and power generation, affects the air quality. However, vehicle emissions are the primary source of ozone and particulate matter. The rising temperatures resulting from climate change only increase ozone formation, making it even harder to tackle and clean up. That is why the “ozone season” typically coincides with the warmer months. 

Hot, fast-growing cities in the sun belt have the worst air quality

All 20 cities with the worst air quality are in the Sun Belt states of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. Hot, fast-growing cities in this region combine factors that make air pollution particularly bad. Phoenix, for example, gets more sun than nearly any city. Sunlight and heat can worsen air pollution, triggering chemical reactions between oxygen and pollutants like car exhaust to create ozone. 

Add to the mix increasing emissions from rapid urbanization — Phoenix has more than doubled its population over the last 30 years — and it is easy to see why these fast-developing cities in the Southwest create a vicious cycle for air pollution.

Meanwhile, the cities with the best air quality are in cooler, slower-growing regions with plentiful vegetation and green space. Of the 20 cities with the best air quality, four are in Virginia, and three are in Colorado, while Alaska, Montana and Texas are each home to two. 

How to deal with poor air quality

When the air quality is poor, avoiding spending time outdoors and minimizing exposure is advisable. But outdoor pollutants can find their way into your home, especially during days or in areas with high levels of air pollution. Maintaining good indoor air quality is as essential as reducing outdoor activities. 

You can improve indoor air quality with the following tips:

1. Vacuum regularly

Regular vacuuming is essential to prevent dust and particulate matter from accumulating in your home. Opt for a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture particles and prevent them from re-entering the air. Also, remember to change the filter regularly.

2. Avoid using wood-burning stoves and heaters

When wood burns, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other fine particulates (PM2.5) that can contribute to indoor pollution. During periods of high outdoor pollution, ventilation is not recommended, and these pollutants can easily linger indoors.

3. Consider investing in an air purifier

HEPA air purifiers are highly effective in removing particulate matter, dust and other pollutants from the air.

4. Ventilate your home when the air is cleaner

Check the daily air pollution forecasts at airnow.gov to know the air quality in your area. If the forecast is good, make sure to open windows to let fresh air in. 

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Final thoughts

Air pollution is a product of both natural and man-made causes. But while certain geographical and climate factors like desert heat and sun predispose some parts of the country to air pollution, most harmful emissions are created by people. 

The improvement in U.S. air quality since 1970 has been one of the most significant public health achievements of the last 50 years. Still, progress is uneven and much of the country — as many as 1 in 3 Americans — live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution. 

And as concerns over COVID-19 continue to highlight the urgency of respiratory health, knowing where and why air pollution in the United States becomes more important than ever.