These Iowa metros have the cleanest air in U.S., says new report. See air quality near you.
Iowa's air quality is cleanest in Des Moines area, these counties Des Moines Register
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Several places in Iowa ranked among the cleanest in America for air quality
According to the State of the Air report released by the American Lung Association, several places in Iowa have been identified as some of the cleanest in America in terms of air pollutants. This report, which focuses on the year 2024, provides rankings for both the cleanest and most polluted areas across the country.
Unfortunately, more than a third of Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution. Compared to the previous report in 2023, an additional 11.7 million people are now breathing unhealthy air. This increase can be attributed to factors such as extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and the use of a stronger national air quality standard by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Which areas in Iowa have the cleanest air quality?
The Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines metropolitan area is recognized as one of the cleanest in America for ozone pollution. Similarly, the combined Burlington-Fort Madison-Keokuk metropolitan area and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro are among the cleanest for short-term particle pollution. However, there are no specific rankings for these categories as all cities listed received the same scores.
The following counties in Iowa have received passing grades for particle pollution:
- Black Hawk
- Clinton
- Johnson
- Lee
- Linn
- Montgomery
- Muscatine
- Palo Alto
- Polk
- Pottawattamie
- Scott
- Van Buren
- Woodbury
Understanding ozone and particle pollution
Ozone, also known as smog, is a ground-level pollutant that can cause serious health problems. While the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone can harm our lungs and lead to respiratory issues.
Particle pollution, or particulate matter, refers to a mixture of solid and liquid particles in the air. These particles can be emitted from various sources such as vehicles, power plants, and construction sites. While larger particles may irritate our eyes, nose, and throat, smaller particles can enter our lungs and bloodstream, posing greater health risks.
Cities with the worst air pollution in America
The Los Angeles and Long Beach metro in California ranked first for ozone pollution. Bakersfield, California also ranked first for both year-round and short-term particle pollution.
Checking air quality in Iowa and nearby locations
To find out the current air quality and forecasts for a specific location in Iowa or elsewhere, you can visit airnow.gov. This website is a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, CDC, and other national, state, and local agencies.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 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. | Indicator: Ambient air pollution levels in cities. |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The issue of air pollution and its impact on human health is connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. The article discusses the increase in unhealthy air levels and the negative health effects caused by air pollution.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The issue of air pollution in cities is connected to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. The article mentions specific metropolitan areas in Iowa that have clean air quality, highlighting the importance of addressing air pollution in urban areas.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
The article indirectly addresses this target by discussing the negative health effects of air pollution and the need to reduce unhealthy air levels. It emphasizes the importance of addressing air pollution to prevent illnesses and deaths related to hazardous chemicals in the air.
Target 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.
The article indirectly addresses this target by highlighting the clean air quality in certain metropolitan areas in Iowa. It emphasizes the need to pay special attention to air quality in cities to reduce their adverse environmental impact.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.9, as it reflects the reduction in health impacts caused by air pollution.
- Ambient air pollution levels in cities: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 11.6, as it reflects the improvement in air quality in urban areas.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 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. | Indicator: Ambient air pollution levels in cities. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: desmoinesregister.com
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