Milwaukee has some of the worst air quality in the nation, a new study says. Here’s why
Milwaukee is among worst in U.S. for ozone pollution, 2024 study says Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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The Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health: A Report on the Milwaukee Metro Area
Introduction
The Milwaukee metro area has been identified as having some of the worst ozone polluted air in the nation, according to a recent report released by the American Lung Association. This report, titled “State of the Air,” analyzed air quality data from 2020 through 2022 and highlights the significant impact of air pollution on human health.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Air Quality in the Milwaukee Metro Area
The Milwaukee metro area ranked 26th worst in the nation for ozone pollution, based on the average number of unhealthy air quality days in the worst county. Racine County had an average of 6.7 unhealthy air quality days per year between 2020 and 2022. Additionally, Door, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Ozaukee, and Sheboygan counties all received failing grades for ozone pollution.
In terms of particle pollution, the Milwaukee metro area climbed 13 spots to claim the 105th worst position in the nation in 2024. Milwaukee County averaged 7 days per year of unhealthy air quality.
Causes and Impacts of Air Pollution
Air pollution is influenced by climate change, which leads to increased levels of ground-level ozone and particle pollution. Active wildfires also contribute to unsafe air quality. These pollutants have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, particularly people of color who are more likely to live with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
What is Ozone Pollution? What is Particle Pollution?
Ground-level ozone, also known as “smog,” is formed when gases from cars, smokestacks, and other sources combine with sunlight and heat. It is most prevalent during the summer months. Particle pollution, referred to as PM2.5, consists of tiny solids and liquids in the air from factories, power plants, vehicles, and wildfires. Both ozone and particle pollution can have severe health consequences, including premature death, asthma, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births, and impaired cognitive functioning.
Most Impacted Areas in Wisconsin
The counties most at risk for unhealthy ozone levels in Wisconsin include those in southeastern Wisconsin along Lake Michigan, from Kenosha County to Door County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Top Cities with Worst Ozone Pollution
- Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA
- Visalia, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA
- Phoenix-Mesa, AZ
Top Cities with Worst Year-round Particle Pollution
- Bakersfield, CA
- Visalia, CA
- Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA
- Eugene-Springfield, OR
- San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA
Cleanest Air Quality in U.S. Cities (in alphabetical order)
- Bangor, ME
- Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
- Lincoln-Beatrice, NE
- Urban Honolulu, HI
- Wilmington, NC
Protecting Health in Poor Air Quality
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends the following tips to minimize the risk of outdoor air pollution:
- Limit time outdoors and keep windows closed when air quality is poor.
- Take prescribed asthma medications and have quick relief inhalers readily available.
- Consider wearing N95 masks on days with elevated particle pollution levels.
- Use indoor air cleaners or filters during consecutive days of poor air quality.
- Sign up for air quality advisories and check forecasts on airnow.gov.
Conclusion
Air pollution, particularly ozone and particle pollution, poses significant risks to human health. The Milwaukee metro area’s poor air quality highlights the need for sustainable development efforts to address climate change and reduce pollution levels. By prioritizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we can work towards creating healthier and more sustainable communities for all.
Air Quality Map
Track air quality in Wisconsin and the United States with this interactive map:
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of unhealthy air quality days per year
- Percentage of population living in areas with heightened levels of ozone or particle pollution
- Number of counties receiving failing grades for ozone pollution
- Ranking of cities with worst ozone pollution and worst year-round particle pollution
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of unhealthy air quality days per year – Percentage of population living in areas with heightened levels of ozone or particle pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Number of counties receiving failing grades for ozone pollution – Ranking of cities with worst ozone pollution and worst year-round particle pollution |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Number of unhealthy air quality days per year – Ranking of cities with worst ozone pollution and worst year-round particle pollution |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: jsonline.com
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