Pennsylvania Still Failing in Many Areas, According to American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” Report

PENNSYLVANIA (April 21, 2021) – Wednesday, the American Lung Association released its annual “State of the Air” report, ranking metropolitan areas and counties for air pollution. The areas are ranked for ozone (smog) and particulate matter (soot). The report compares the quality of the air we breathe across the United States, including Pennsylvania.  

With respect to particulates, Pittsburgh and Allegheny County improved slightly in the rankings, but Allegheny County still received an F for particulates for the relevant years (2017-2019). This is due to the number of high particle pollution days and the concentrations of particulates at a government monitoring station. Outside Allegheny County, the worst areas for particulates in Pennsylvania are Lancaster (receiving an F) and Berks County (receiving a D), both due to high particle pollution days.

As for ozone, the worst areas in Pennsylvania are the two largest metropolitan areas. While the number of high ozone days decreased for all counties in the five-county Philadelphia area, three counties continue to receive an F (Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery), and only two improved from an F to a D (Delaware and Chester). Allegheny County also receives an F for ozone, even though the number of high ozone days also decreased. Three other counties received a D for ozone (Berks, Beaver, and Northampton).

Joseph Otis Minott, Clean Air Council Executive Director and Chief Counsel, issued the following statement:

“Not surprisingly, areas around Pittsburgh and Philadelphia received an F for ozone and fine particulate pollution. This pollution is exacerbating health conditions for Pennsylvanians such as aggravated bronchitis, impaired lung function, heart failure and asthma. People of color, people experiencing poverty, children, and older adults are especially vulnerable. Now, more than ever, leaders across the state must take meaningful action to address these harmful air pollutants.”