Bakersfield Named Worst Air Polluted Place in US

March 15, 2023

An analysis by The Guardian has revealed the worst 10 places for fine particle air pollution in the United States, with the area around Bakersfield, California topping the list.

According to researchers, the places within the contiguous U.S. that were most affected by pollution were also areas with higher Black and Hispanic populations. Race, the article noted, appears to be more of an indicator of air pollution severity than that of income.

“What we’re seeing here is segregation,” Julian Marshall, professor of environmental engineering at the University of Washington and co-director of the Center for Air, Climate and Energy Solutions told The Guardian. “You have segregation of people and segregation of pollution.”

According to The Guardian, the fine air pollution particles recorded, known as Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5, are emitted by cars, factories, wildfires, and dusty agricultural activities. These particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing deadly illnesses such as respiratory disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

The analysis used data collected between 2011 and 2015 to determine which places were the nation’s most polluted, which included areas within Los Angeles and Chicago in the second and third spots, respectively, on the list.

Latest Articles

Are You Qualified for Healthcare Cleaning?
May 13, 2025 Jeff Cross

Are You Qualified for Healthcare Cleaning?

May 13, 2025 Jeff Cross

Inside the High Stakes World of Health Care Facility Cleaning

May 12, 2025 Melissa Hixon

Floor Care Solutions Emphasize Simplicity

Sponsored Articles

The First Choice for Your Facility Maintenance Needs
April 2, 2025

The First Choice for Your Facility Maintenance Needs

March 19, 2025 Sponsored by SPARTAN CHEMICAL CO.

Spartan Chemical Recognized as a Safer Choice® Partner of the Year for 2024

March 19, 2025 Sponsored by SOFIDEL AMERICAN CORP

Welcome to the New Papernet World

Recent News

clean floors

Home Laundering Doesn’t Disinfect Healthcare Worker Apparel

Hawaiian Cleaning Company Fined for Withholding Overtime Pay

Vaccine Advisory Committee to Meet Next Week