Despite its remote location, Fairbanks stands out for its alarming levels of year-round particulate matter pollution and frequent high-pollution days.
Fairbanks, Alaska
The desert metropolis faces increased particulate matter pollution due to wildfires, ranking among the worst for high-pollution days.
Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona
Southern Oregon grapples with significant air particulate matter pollution, adversely affecting a population of around 309,000, with over 61,000 individuals of color
Medford-Grants Pass, Oregon
Sacramento and Roseville contend with severe ozone and particulate matter pollution, placing seventh and ninth, respectively, nationwide.
Sacramento-Roseville, California
Infamous for its smog, Los Angeles faces the highest ozone pollution levels in the country. A multitude of factors, including heavy traffic and wildfires.
Los Angeles-Long Beach, California
The Bay Area grapples with pervasive air pollution across all measured categories, affecting over 9.4 million residents.
San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, California
This Oregon region ranks fourth for high-pollution days and year-round particle pollution, largely attributed to vehicle emissions and wood smoke.
Eugene-Springfield, Oregon
Among the most polluted areas in California, Fresno faces year-round particulate matter pollution and high-pollution days.
Fresno-Madera-Hanford, California
Sharing similar pollution woes with Fresno, Visalia ranks poorly across all pollution metrics, adversely affecting its population of around 477,000.
Visalia, California
Topping the list as the most polluted city in the U.S., Bakersfield faces a combination of factors, including emissions from energy and agriculture industries.
Bakersfield, California