New Mexico Cities Face Ongoing Ozone Pollution Challenges
By Hannah Grover
Major cities in New Mexico are grappling with troubling ozone levels, as highlighted in the American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air Report released Wednesday. The Albuquerque-Santa Fe-Los Alamos metropolitan statistical area ranked 22nd for ozone pollution, while the El Paso-Las Cruces area placed 18th, marking them among the most polluted cities in the nation.
The report identifies southwestern cities as particularly susceptible to high ozone levels due to ample sunlight. Ozone develops when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react under sunlight, contributing to respiratory issues and worsening conditions like asthma.
California dominated the list of cities with the worst air quality, with the top three spots occupied by southern cities. Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona, was noted as the fourth most polluted area.
The report, which leverages air quality monitor data from 2021 to 2023, focuses on metropolitan areas and does not encompass every New Mexico community. Some counties received grades based on their air quality; however, data for all counties was not available. Notably, San Juan County, previously recognized for its clean air, received an “F” grade due to a history of high ozone levels.
Other counties suffering “F” grades for ozone include Bernalillo, Doña Ana, Eddy, and Lea, while Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Valencia counties earned “B” grades, with no counties achieving an “A.” In particulate matter measurements, only five counties had data, with Bernalillo and Doña Ana again receiving failing grades.
Despite ongoing efforts to combat air pollution, nearly 46% of Americans, translating to 156 million individuals, reside in areas with unhealthy air quality. Communities of color are disproportionately affected, often facing chronic health issues exacerbated by poor air quality. The Midwest and Plains states, severely impacted by Canadian wildfires and high temperatures, experienced the most significant changes in ozone levels, with Tulsa, Oklahoma, rising dramatically in ranking for ozone pollution.
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