By Carly Mallenbaum and Erin Davis, Axios
Change in air quality, by metro area
2021-23 average compared to 2014-16; Micrograms per cubic meter of fine particle pollution
Why it matters: Poor air quality can lead to long-term health problems.
By the numbers: Nationally, 62% of metro areas improved their air quality, as measured by fine particle pollution, particularly those in Central California and east of the Mississippi.
- 38% of areas saw worsened air quality.
- Between the lines: This data doesn’t account for the recent wildfires.
The big picture: Tracking fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a helpful indicator of air pollution and a major factor in of air quality index scores, but it doesn’t account for all variables. So air pollution can be worse than it appears on your weather app.
Zoom out: A growing body of research shows that polluted air is connected to poor reproductive outcomes, increased dementia risk, and more asthma attacks and other respiratory health effects.
To stay safe, air quality experts recommend, check your local AQI, but also trust your nose. If you smell smoke — even if the AQI is “green” — limit your time outside.