The American Lung Association recently highlighted a concerning trend: Bangor, Maine, stands alone as the only city on all three “cleanest cities” lists. This is a stark reminder of the declining air quality across the United States.
Bangor enjoys impressive air quality, with no unhealthy days of ozone or short-term particle pollution. This city also boasts some of the lowest year-round levels of dangerous particle pollution in the nation.
Normally, the annual “State of the Air” report features multiple cities making these lists. However, this year, Bangor is the sole representative, a testament to the air quality challenge facing many urban areas.
Shockingly, about 152 million Americans breathe unhealthy air. A significant portion of the population—32.9 million people—lives in counties rated poorly for air quality across multiple pollution measures. The disparities are troubling, as people of color are more than twice as likely as white individuals to reside in these areas.
Ozone and particle pollution, two of the most common pollutants monitored by the EPA, pose serious health risks. Particle pollution can originate from industrial activities, vehicles, and natural disasters. It’s incredibly small, allowing it to pass through the body’s defenses and enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and other health issues.
Exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health problems, including heart attacks and respiratory issues. The World Health Organization identifies air pollution as a leading cause of premature death globally, increasing risks for conditions like asthma, certain cancers, and even dementia.
Notably, this year’s report shows that ozone pollution affected more people than in recent years, despite some slight improvements in particulate pollution. Los Angeles retains its title as the worst city for ozone pollution, while Bakersfield, California, leads in year-round particle pollution, though it has made strides in short-term pollution levels. Now, Fairbanks, Alaska, tops that list.
Bangor has consistently earned high marks for air quality. It received an “A” rating for ozone and short-term particle pollution and ranks 10th for the lowest year-round particle levels. This clean-air reputation has become a powerful asset for the city, noted Anne Krieg, Bangor’s director of community and economic development. The clean air is a major draw for new residents seeking healthier living conditions.
Dr. Jean MacRae from the University of Maine mentions several factors contributing to Bangor’s clean air. These include favorable weather patterns, a significant amount of forested land, and minimal traffic due to the city’s small population. Maine has faced challenges with pollution drifting from nearby states, but ongoing air quality regulations have significantly reduced these issues.
Interestingly, two notable Maine senators played pivotal roles in advancing air quality protections. Senator Edmund Muskie was instrumental in the Clean Air Act of 1970, which set federal pollution limits and led to the creation of the EPA. His colleague, Senator George J. Mitchell, contributed to the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment, tightening vehicle emission standards.
However, experts warn that these protections are under threat from current political shifts. Will Barrett of the American Lung Association highlights troubling rollbacks to essential air quality regulations, emphasizing the need for stronger policies, especially in light of worsening conditions due to climate change.
Despite these challenges, Bangor’s allure has grown. The city’s clean air and scenic beauty have attracted new residents, especially from states with harsher climates. As Krieg states, “Maine is gorgeous for that.”
