Air quality is an important factor in maintaining good health, and it can vary greatly depending on where you live. If you’re curious about the air quality in your state, we’ve compiled a comprehensive ranking of the Air Quality Index by state. Find out where your state stands and what you can do to improve air quality in your area.
What is the Air Quality Index?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of how polluted the air is in a specific area. It takes into account several pollutants, including ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
The AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating poorer air quality.
The higher the AQI, the greater the health concern for people who are exposed to the air.
Air Quality Index
The quality of air can vary greatly from state to state in the United States. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to measure the level of air pollution in a given area.
When the AQI is 100 or below, the air quality is generally considered satisfactory. However, when the AQI exceeds 100, it becomes increasingly unsafe for certain at-risk groups of people.
Furthermore, air quality can have a significant impact on public health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to measure air quality and categorizes it into six levels based on the potential health effects.
These categories range from “good” to “hazardous” and provide important information for individuals and communities to take action to protect their health.
Air Quality Rankings by State
Air Quality by State: Categories
The air quality index (AQI) ranges from 0 to 500, with a score of 0-50 indicating good air quality. When the AQI is in this range, the color green is used to symbolize the conditions. This means that the air poses little to no health risk for individuals in that state.
When the AQI is between 51-100, the air quality is considered moderate and is represented by the color yellow. People who are sensitive to air pollution may experience respiratory symptoms at this level.
When the AQI falls between 101-150, the air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. This is indicated by the color orange on the AQI scale. Sensitive groups include older adults, children, and individuals with lung conditions or diseases.
When the AQI is between 151-200, air quality conditions are considered unhealthy and are symbolized by the color red. At this level, everyone may begin to feel the effects of the poor air quality, and sensitive groups such as children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory issues may experience more intense effects.
An AQI of 210-300 is considered very unhealthy, and is represented by the color purple on the AQI scale. It’s important to stay informed about air quality in your area and take precautions to protect your health when air quality is poor.
A reading of 301-500 on the AQI indicates that air quality conditions are hazardous, and this is symbolized by the color maroon. It is important to monitor air quality levels and take necessary precautions to protect your health.
States with the Best Air Quality
Hawaii
When it comes to air quality in the United States, Hawaii takes the top spot with an air quality index of 21.2, indicating excellent air quality. Honolulu, the capital city, is also recognized as one of the cleanest cities in the country for ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution by the American Lung Association. However, Hawaii’s air quality is not without its challenges, as volcanic activity and climate change pose significant threats to the state’s air quality.
Alaska
When it comes to air quality in the United States, Alaska ranks second-best with an air quality index of 29.1. However, residents in Anchorage or Mat-Su Borough may still experience particle pollution issues due to wood-burning home heating. Despite this, both areas have seen improvements in air quality in recent years. Overall, most areas in Alaska have good air quality and fall within the “good” AQI range for most of the year.
Washington
When it comes to air quality, Washington ranks third in the nation with an air quality index of 33.5. However, the state also has areas with some of the most polluted air. Despite this, the majority of Washington’s regions maintain a “good” AQI rating, occasionally reaching into the “moderate” range. The Department of Ecology reports that all of the state’s population resides in communities that meet both state and federal air quality standards. The primary sources of pollution in Washington are motor vehicles, wood smoke, and wildfires.
States with the Worst Air Quality
Utah
Utah has the worst air quality on average among all states in the US, with an air quality index of 51.2. The mountainous topography of Utah is one of the main reasons for its poor air quality, as it can trap pollution near the surface. However, Utah has been taking measures to improve its air quality. This includes the adoption of new renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar.
Ohio
Ohio ranks second-worst in the U.S. with an air quality index of 48.2. The American Lung Association’s 2019 “State of the Air” report found that Cleveland was the ninth-most polluted city in the U.S. for year-round particle pollution. However, the report did have some good news. Lebron James’ hometown of Akron saw their lowest ever levels of year-round particle pollution.
Georgia
Georgia and Ohio tie for second-worst with an air quality index of 48.2. The largest metro area in Georgia, Atlanta, is particularly affected by poor air quality due to high traffic and tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks. In fact, Atlanta ranks second in the state for vehicle-related air pollution, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Unfortunately, this has led to a higher rate of asthma among children in Georgia.
Sources: American Lung Association, USA.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What states in the US have the best air?
Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Maine have the best air quality in the US.
Who has the worst air quality in the US?
Utah, Ohio, Georgia, West Virginia and Indiana have the worst air quality in the US.
