The skyline of Ontario, California, marred by pollution and mist, highlighting concerns for air quality in the region.
Ontario has been named the most polluted city in the United States according to a study by IQAir. With concerning levels of air quality, this Inland Empire city is followed closely by Bloomington, Huntington Park, and others. The report highlights severe health risks associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) stemming from various sources, including vehicles and industrial activities. Residents face a grim reality with limited days of acceptable air quality, prompting calls for action to address air pollution and protect community health.
Ontario is grabbing headlines for all the wrong reasons as a new study unveils that it is the most polluted city in the United States. Conducted by IQAir, the report sheds light on a concerning trend in the Inland Empire, where air quality is a pressing issue for residents. Following Ontario in the rankings are Bloomington, Huntington Park, San Bernardino, and Fontana, all making the top five list of the nation’s least breathable air.
Glendora isn’t escaping the pollution storm either, sitting at an unfortunate number 8. Along with two other Central California cities, Visalia and Hanford, these areas are feeling the weight of the air quality burden. The report indicates that fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, is the main culprit behind the poor air quality, posing serious health threats like lung and heart disease and even reproductive issues.
So, where does all this PM2.5 come from? The Environmental Protection Agency points out several sources: cars, construction sites, unpaved roads, smokestacks, and even wildfires. In the Inland Empire, the heavy traffic congestion on the freeways—filled with everything from passenger cars to massive trucks—makes the situation worse.
It’s not just local traffic either; pollution from neighboring Los Angeles makes its way into Riverside and San Bernardino counties, carried by prevailing westward winds. In fact, Los Angeles city boasts the highest PM2.5 average among the 25 most populated cities in the U.S., contributing to the unfortunate rankings of Inland Empire cities.
Furthermore, the logistics and shipping industries play a significant role in the pollution levels in this part of Southern California. Cargo containers arrive from overseas using fuels that are harmful to the environment, and they’re transported via diesel trucks to warehouses in the Inland Empire, compounding the air quality issue.
The 2025 data revealing the dismal air quality is almost identical to a previous study, which ranked eight of Southern California’s cities among the top 50 dirtiest cities in the nation for living conditions and city infrastructure. Notably, the Inland Empire ranks as having the worst air quality in the country with a score of 17.03, leaving residents with only 54 days of acceptable air quality and a staggering 59 days categorized as unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The Greater Houston area is in a distant second regarding air quality, with an index score of 28.36, while Albuquerque follows at 29.64. The SmartSurvey report highlights that the air quality in the Inland Empire is even worse than that of the Greater Los Angeles area, largely due to natural wind patterns carrying pollutants from LA into the Inland Empire.
Wildfires have also entered the conversation, as events in Los Angeles County at the beginning of 2024 could have worsened pollution levels. These wildfires can release harmful pollutants into the air as materials burn and create toxic fumes.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has even had to issue advisories following events like the July 4th fireworks celebrations. The aftermath of these festivities saw areas like Glendora and Azusa grappling with hazardous air quality due to fallout from fireworks, compounded by existing pollution from vehicles and industrial activities.
It’s crucial for residents to stay informed about the health implications of PM2.5 exposure, which can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks and aggravated asthma. With such poor air quality, local health officials recommend minimizing outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones, and using air purifiers to help mitigate indoor pollution levels.
As the data rolls in and pollution levels continue to rise, it is clear that residents in the Inland Empire have their work cut out for them in protecting their health and well-being. Hopefully, as awareness grows, so too will concerted efforts to clean up the air and make southern California a more breathable place to live!
News Summary Families in Anaheim are invited to the annual Children and Families Health Fair…
News Summary A violent incident occurred in Anaheim as police engaged in a high-speed pursuit…
News Summary A high-speed police chase in Anaheim concluded tragically with the shooting of a…
ABC7 News Los Angeles Times Orange County Register Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Chase Google Search: Anaheim…
News Summary A high-speed police chase in Anaheim ended with the death of a suspect…
News Summary The Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, has left a lasting impact on the…