Air pollution is a serious environmental and health issue that affects millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for an estimated 7 million premature deaths every year. In the United States, more than 137 million Americans live in places with unhealthy levels of particle pollution or ozone, two of the most widespread and dangerous pollutants.
What are the sources and effects of air pollution?
Particle pollution, also known as particulate matter or PM, is a mixture of solid and liquid droplets that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. PM can come from various sources, such as factories, power plants, vehicles, wildfires, and biomass burning. Exposure to PM can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes. PM can also increase the risk of cancer and premature death.
Ozone, also known as smog, is a gas that forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with sunlight. Ozone can come from sources such as vehicles, power plants, industrial facilities, and chemical solvents. Exposure to ozone can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and damage the lung tissue. Ozone can also worsen existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema. Ozone can also reduce the immune system’s ability to fight infections and increase the risk of premature death.
Which Texas city has the worst air quality?
According to the 2022 State of the Air report by the American Lung Association, which analyzes data from 2018 to 2020, the most polluted city in Texas is Dallas. Dallas ranks 16th worst in the nation for ozone pollution, with 47 unhealthy days per year. Dallas also ranks 24th worst for year-round particle pollution, with an annual average of 10.3 micrograms per cubic meter. Dallas also ranks 28th worst for short-term particle pollution, with 10 unhealthy days per year.
Dallas claims the dubious distinction of being the most polluted city in Texas, surpassing Houston, which ranks 18th worst for ozone pollution, 25th worst for year-round particle pollution, and 31st worst for short-term particle pollution. Houston has 46 unhealthy days for ozone, 10.2 micrograms per cubic meter for year-round PM, and 9 unhealthy days for short-term PM.
Other Texas cities that rank among the most polluted in the nation include El Paso, which ranks 12th worst for ozone pollution, with 54 unhealthy days per year; San Antonio, which ranks 25th worst for ozone pollution, with 34 unhealthy days per year; and Beaumont, which ranks 20th worst for short-term particle pollution, with 11 unhealthy days per year.
What are the solutions to improve air quality in Texas?
To improve air quality in Texas, the State of Texas has already passed laws and imposed standards for certain contaminants. For example, Texas has adopted the federal Clean Air Act, which sets limits on the emissions of major pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, and ozone.
Texas has also implemented the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, which provides incentives and funding for projects that reduce emissions from mobile and stationary sources, such as vehicles, engines, equipment, and facilities.
Additionally, Texas has been investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and lower the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Texas is the leading state in wind power generation, accounting for 17% of its electric grid capacity in 2020. Texas is also the sixth-largest state in solar power generation, accounting for 3% of its electric grid capacity in 2020.
Furthermore, Texas residents can take individual actions to reduce their exposure and contribution to air pollution, such as:
- Checking the daily air quality index and avoiding outdoor activities when the air quality is unhealthy.
- Using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking instead of driving alone.
- Keeping the vehicle well-maintained and avoiding idling the engine.
- Using energy-efficient appliances and lighting and conserving electricity at home and work.
- Avoiding burning wood, trash, or other materials that produce smoke.
- Supporting policies and programs that promote clean air and environmental protection.
Conclusion
Air pollution is a serious threat to the environment and human health, especially in Texas, where several cities rank among the most polluted in the nation. Dallas is the most polluted city in Texas, followed by Houston, El Paso, San Antonio, and Beaumont. To improve air quality in Texas, the state and its residents need to take actions to reduce the emissions and exposure of harmful pollutants, such as particle pollution and ozone. By doing so, Texas can protect its natural resources and its people’s well-being.