PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Central Pennsylvania has been named one of the worst areas in the country when it comes to air pollution.
According to a 2023 report, the central Pa. region is the 8th worst air-polluted region in the entire United States. The data collected through the U.S. Census Bureau specifically shows York, Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Carlisle as polluted hotspots.
The report comes as awareness of air quality health concerns has increased among Pennsylvanians due to last month's code red air quality alerts caused by the ongoing Canadian wildfires.
Experts say the recent air quality conditions could be a glimpse into what severe air pollution levels can do.
"The particle matter is the one that is increased during wildfires. Ozone is worse during hot summer days because the heat of the sun and the chemicals in the air cause the ozone to develop. Ozone causes sunburn on the inside of your airways," said Dr. Albert Rizzo, the chief medical officer with the American Lung Association. "So, that can lead to problems like asthma [and] chronic bronchitis. Particle matter does the same thing."
The report cites a high number of industrial plants and transportation crossroads in Pa. as a main contributor to the bad air pollution.
"All the things that make central Pennsylvania attractive to business, particularly things like the trucking industry and transportation industry and a lot of people living here, are the same things that contribute to air pollution," said Rob Altenburg, the senior director for Energy and Climate with PennFuture.
Experts add that the recent alerts have highlighted the importance of staying aware of current air quality conditions and carrying out safety precautions, when necessary.
"Being aware and getting in the habit of checking that, maybe not every day but every few days," advised Dr. Rizzo. "On high days when the air quality is poor certainly, the best thing is trying to minimize the time you are outdoors. If you are someone at risk, wearing a mask is advised."
Experts hope the recent emphasis on air quality will push more changes that will improve central Pa's air pollution problem.
"We certainly have the ability to cut this pollution," said Altenburg. "It's whether we have the policies in place and the will to do it."