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19.11.2024
Brooke Kirshne
The quality of the air depends on both the environment and human health. In addition to protecting the environment and maintaining the health of ecosystems, breathing clean air helps avoid respiratory problems like asthma. Polluted air, on the other hand, can harm wildlife and humans and even worsen climate change. As air quality in US cities impacts millions of people's lives, it is more important than ever to understand it in 2024 fully.
We can get a clearer idea of what's working and where changes are needed by finding out which cities have the cleanest air and which have the worst pollution. It also helps local leaders and residents take action to improve air quality. The cities in the United States with the best and worst air quality in 2024 will be examined in this blog. We will discuss the factors that influence these rankings and what makes certain areas succeed while others struggle. We can work toward cleaner air for everybody if we are aware of these developments.
Understanding Air Quality
The quality of the air around us shows how clean or dirty it is. It is a necessary part of life as the air we breathe has a direct impact on both the environment and our health. Healthy air lowers the risk of illness, supports the good condition of the environment, and keeps our bodies healthy. On the other hand, air pollution can cause major health issues and environmental damage to people, animals, and plants.
Experts use measures such as the Air Quality Index (AQI) to figure out the quality of the air. Using a scale of 0 to 500, the AQI provides an easy way of indicating how safe or harmful the air is. The air is cleaner if the number is lower. Greater values indicate that the air might be dangerous to breathe, particularly for those who already have health conditions like asthma. Many pollutants have an impact on air quality, such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and lead.
Checking the quality of the air is extremely important for people's health. Long-term illnesses, allergies, heart difficulties, and asthma can all result from breathing in air that is contaminated. Monitoring air quality enables governments to take action, such as lowering vehicle emissions or regulating industrial pollutants, and helps us determine when the air is dangerous.
Cities With The Best Air Quality
1. Urban Honolulu, HI - In terms of air quality in 2024, Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, is among the cleanest cities in the United States. Most days of the year, people here enjoy clean, fresh air thanks to a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 25. The highest reported AQI, even at its highest, only reached 45, comfortably within safe ranges. With a population of almost a million and a growing tourist industry, Honolulu has managed to hold onto its outstanding record for air quality. High-quality air filters can be used in HVAC systems by homeowners as well as businesses to further improve indoor wellness. MERV 13 air filters are particularly good at capturing dust mites, mold spores, and pollen, which helps decrease allergies and respiratory problems.
2. Bangor, Maine - Bangor, Maine, is an amazing place to live as it has clean air and a peaceful environment. With a median air quality index (AQI) of 24 and a maximum recorded AQI of 42 in 2024, the city's air quality remained excellent on the majority of days. With about 100,000 residents, Bangor enjoys the advantage of being in a less populated area, which reduces air pollution. Residents can add MERV 8 or MERV 11 air filters to their HVAC systems to improve the quality of the indoor air. By efficiently capturing common airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, and pet dander, these air filters improve the quality of the living environment.
3. Syracuse, NY - Residents of Syracuse can now breathe better air because of the city's outstanding efforts towards improving air quality. This year, the highest AQI was only 45, while the median was 25. The roughly 150,000 residents of Syracuse benefit from regional initiatives to develop cleaner sources of energy and reduce pollution. Houseowners and businesses in Syracuse can use MERV 8 or MERV 11 air filters to maintain clean indoor air, especially during the winter months when windows are kept closed. By helping to capture dust and Mold spores, these filters provide nice and fresh indoor air.
4. Lincoln-Beatrice, NE - Another city with excellent air quality in 2024 is Lincoln-Beatrice, Nebraska. The air quality is among the best in the United States, with a median AQI of 22 and a maximum AQI of only 35. With a population of roughly 300,000 and an almost rural location, it has a pollution-free atmosphere. Residential property owners should think about installing MERV 8 or MERV 11 filters in their HVAC systems to further improve the quality of the air indoors. By efficiently capturing dust and pollen, these filters help to improve indoor air quality.
5. Rochester, NY - Rochester is another great example of a city making efforts towards improving the quality of its air. With a 2024 median AQI of 26 and a maximum recorded AQI of 48, the majority of days were within appropriate air quality ranges. With 200,000 residents, Rochester benefits from constant attempts to reduce pollution and implement more environmentally friendly energy practices. People can use MERV 8 or MERV 11 filters in order to improve the quality of their indoor air during the winter months when it can get stale. These filters provide a healthier indoor atmosphere by capturing dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Here’s the table without notes:
| City | Median AQI (2024) | Maximum AQI (2024) | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 25 | 45 | ~1,000,000 |
| Bangor, ME | 24 | 42 | ~100,000 |
| Syracuse, NY | 25 | 45 | ~150,000 |
| Lincoln-Beatrice, NE | 22 | 35 | ~300,000 |
| Rochester, NY | 26 | 48 | ~200,000 |
Cities With The Worst Air Quality
1. Los Angeles, California - Los Angeles is often listed among the American cities with the worst air quality. With over 10 million residents, a lot of traffic, and a lot of industrial activity, the city suffers from haze and pollution, particularly in the summer. Although the median Air Quality Index (AQI) this year measured around 50, indicating average air quality, many days had bad air, and the AQI peaked at more than 200, which is dangerous. Los Angeles businesses and homeowners can prevent this by installing MERV 13 or HEPA filters in their HVAC systems. By efficiently capturing allergens and tiny particles, these filters contribute to a cleaner and safer indoor environment.
2. Bakersfield, California - Since Bakersfield is situated in the San Joaquin Valley and has a lot of industrial and agricultural activity, it experiences serious air pollution issues. With a median AQI of 55 this year, the city frequently had moderate to unhealthy levels. On certain days, extremely bad air quality was indicated by the maximum recorded AQI of over 250. HEPA or MERV 13 filters can be used in Bakersfield residents' HVAC systems to improve the quality of the air indoors. By absorbing tiny particles, these filters reduce the effects of external contaminants and guarantee healthier and cleaner indoor air.
3. Houston, Texas - Because of its industrial background, high humidity, and considerable traffic, Houston has a major impact on air quality, making smog and ozone pollution worse. Although the average AQI this year was classified as moderate at about 45, there were many harmful days when the AQI jumped to 220 or more. To ensure safer indoor air, Houston residents and businesses should consider high-quality air filters like HEPA or MERV 13 filters. These options effectively capture pollutants and allergens, promoting a healthier indoor space.
4. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas - With an estimated 8 million residents, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has air quality issues brought on by growing vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and urbanization. There were a few days in 2024 when the AQI was over 200, which is considered harmful, but mostly the air quality was decent, with the median AQI of about 40. The indoor air quality in this area can be greatly improved by installing HEPA or MERV 13 filters in HVAC systems. These filters improve indoor air quality and safety by capturing dust, pollutants, and allergies.
5. Chicago, Illinois - Air pollution is a problem in Chicago, especially during the winter months when industrial emissions and heating systems add to the pollution. With a median AQI of about 35 for 2024, the air quality was generally good. AQI values, however, have sometimes risen to 180+, which can affect health, particularly for people who are at risk. Residents and businesses in Chicago can improve their indoor air through the use of HEPA or MERV 13 filters. In order to guarantee that filters function well and minimize the buildup of harmful particles, routine maintenance of HVAC systems is also necessary.
| City | Median AQI (2024) | Maximum AQI (2024) | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 50 | 200+ | ~10,000,000 |
| Bakersfield, CA | 55 | 250+ | ~900,000 |
| Houston, TX | 45 | 220+ | ~2,300,000 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | 40 | 200+ | ~8,000,000 |
| Chicago, IL | 35 | 180+ | ~2,700,000 |
Conclusion
The air quality in U.S. cities in 2024 shows a big difference across the country. Some cities, like Honolulu, Syracuse, and Rochester, have clean air due to good environmental rules, natural features, and low pollution levels. On the other hand, cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago struggle with poor air quality due to things like heavy traffic, factories, and weather that traps pollution.
These differences show that we still have a lot of work to do to improve air quality. Important steps include stricter rules on emissions, using cleaner energy, and planning cities to reduce traffic. As climate change and population growth continue to affect cities, improving air quality is key to protecting our health, economy, and overall well-being. By staying informed and taking action, we can all help create healthier communities and cleaner air for everyone.
If you need air filters for your HVAC system, Custom Filters Direct is here to help. We offer high-quality air filters that are designed to fit your system and improve the air you breathe. Call us at 1-877-958-5612 to learn more about our products and how we can help you keep your air clean and fresh.
