The American Lung Association has issued its 26th annual State of the Air research report. The research finds that “even after decades of successful efforts to reduce sources of air pollution, 46% of Americans—156.1 million people—are living in places that get failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.” The experts say wildfires, drought, and extreme heat are contributors.
The study divides air pollution into three categories: ozone air pollution, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution. Bakersfield, California, tops the list as the Most Polluted City in America.
Across the three ratings, Bakersfield ranks third nationwide in ozone, first in year-round particle pollution, and first in short-term particle pollution. It is located inland from the Pacific Coast and northeast of Los Angeles. Its population is just over 400,000…