Inland Empire Cities Struggle with Severe Air Pollution

News Summary

Ontario, California, has emerged as the most polluted city in the United States, according to an IQAir report. This issue extends to other Inland Empire cities like Bloomington and San Bernardino. The primary pollutant, PM2.5, poses significant health risks, including lung and heart diseases. Factors contributing to this crisis include heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and pollution from neighboring Los Angeles. The region recorded only 54 satisfactory air quality days in 2023, raising concerns about long-term health impacts. Awareness and preventive measures are essential for improving the air quality in these areas.

Pollution Woes: Inland Empire Cities Among the Nation’s Dirtiest

Ontario, California, seems to have taken the lead in a competition no one wanted to win. According to a recent report by IQAir, this sunny city is ranked as the most polluted in the United States. That’s right, folks—while many of us enjoy the beautiful weather, the air we breathe isn’t looking so great. The situation doesn’t stop there; other cities in the Inland Empire are facing the same grim reality, with Bloomington, Huntington Park, and San Bernardino following closely behind Ontario in the polluting rankings.

Are We Breathing in Health Risks?

A closer look reveals that the primary culprit for this alarming pollution is fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. This nasty little particle is not just a number; it’s a serious health risk. Exposure to PM2.5 is linked to various health issues, including lung and heart diseases and may even affect reproductive health. It’s frightening to think that something we can’t see could be causing trouble inside our bodies.

So where does all this PM2.5 come from? The sources are as varied as they are concerning. Vehicles, construction sites, and even unpaved roads can produce this harmful pollutant. And let’s not forget the smokestacks and fires that only add to the mess. Heavy traffic congestion is another major factor, with our freeways clogged with vehicles, trucks, and buses all contributing to the poor air quality.

The Winds of Change, or Not

Interestingly, the winds play a role in why our local air is so foul. Prevailing westward winds bring pollution from bustling Los Angeles right into Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. While Los Angeles has the highest annual average of PM2.5 among large U.S. cities, it doesn’t just keep its dirty air to itself. Instead, it sends a wave of unwelcomed gases our way.

The shipping and logistics industries don’t help either, chugging along with cargo containers that come from ships using polluting fuels. Once they arrive, diesel trucks wheel them off to warehouses scattered throughout the Inland Empire, further compounding the air pollution problem.

The Numbers Speak Louder than Words

The 2025 report paints a picture almost identical to last year’s study. Eight cities in Southern California still rank among the 50 dirtiest in the nation. But hold on, that’s not the worst of it. A recent SmartSurvey indicated that the Inland Empire holds the title for the worst air quality in the United States, scoring a mere 17.03 on the air quality index for 2023.

This year, the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metro area only managed to achieve 54 satisfactory air quality days while also logging 59 days deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. For those keeping score, that’s not great news. Just to put this in perspective, the Greater Houston area came in second with a score of 28.36, and Albuquerque landed in third with a score of 29.64.

Hazardous Times Ahead

Factors like natural wind patterns can take the pollution levels from bad to worse. For example, in early 2024, wildfires in nearby Los Angeles County exacerbated the pollution problem. Those fires didn’t just burn trees; they sent toxic fumes into the atmosphere, impacting the air quality further.

After the recent Independence Day fireworks, the South Coast Air Quality Management District had to issue an advisory. The day after the festivities saw areas around Glendora and Azusa hit with hazardous air quality, a direct result of the particulate matter kicked up by the fireworks combined with our everyday pollutants.

What Can We Do?

The reality is staggering, but there are ways to cope with the poor air quality. Staying indoors and avoiding strenuous activities can help mitigate exposure. If you’re able, using an air purifier can make a real difference in keeping your indoor environment healthier.

While we can’t change the weather or the winds, raising awareness about air quality issues can help spark conversations about improvements. After all, who doesn’t want to breathe easier?

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• CBS News: Worst Air Pollution Cities
• Wikipedia: Air Pollution
• KTLA: Area with Worst Air Quality
• Google Search: California air quality studies
• Patch: Inland Empire Air Quality
• Google Scholar: Air Pollution Health Effects
• Daily News: Fireworks Impact Air Quality
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Quality Standards
• Desert Sun: Poor Air Quality Forecast
• Google News: Southern California Air Quality