San Francisco's air quality is improving
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Good news: Air quality in San Francisco is improving, according to an Axios analysis of year-over-year EPA data.
Why it matters: Long-term exposure to poor air quality is harmful to your health.
- A growing body of research shows that polluted air is connected to poor reproductive outcomes, increased dementia risk and more asthma attacks and other respiratory health effects.
By the numbers: San Francisco saw its pollution levels drop by about 6%.
- That figure compares average pollution from 2021-23 to the same measurements from 2014-16.
Between the lines: The data doesn't account for recent wildfires.
What they're saying: "Cleaner, healthier air is a positive for all San Francisco residents. This data shows the measurable impact of the Bay Area's climate action policies at work," said Joseph Piasecki, a policy and public affairs coordinator at the San Francisco Environment Department.
Zoom in: The city has credited its progress to more EV adoption and public charging stations, a clean transportation fleet, building electrification efforts, the replacement of gas-burning appliances with electric models and the use of renewable energy to power the city.
- San Francisco's overall emissions were 48% lower and per capita emissions were 53% lower in 2022 than in 1990, despite a 12% increase in population during that same period, according to the city's most recent data.
State of play: San Francisco aims to cut emissions 61% below 1990 levels by 2030 and become carbon-neutral by 2040.
Zoom out: Nationally, the EPA data showed 62% of metro areas improved their air quality, as did much of Central California, which has historically had some of the worst in the state.
- 38% of metro areas saw worsened air quality. In Northern California, the towns of Clearlake and Ukiah each saw air pollutions level rise by more than 30%.
The big picture: Tracking fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a helpful indicator of air pollution and a major factor in air quality index scores, but it doesn't account for all variables.
- That means air pollution can be worse than it appears on your weather app.
To stay safe, air quality experts recommend checking your local AQI and also trusting your nose. If you smell smoke — even if the AQI is "green" — limit your time outside.