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El Paso and LA Named Among Most Polluted U.S. Cities

3/26/2026

49 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, IQAir identifies El Paso and Los Angeles as among the most polluted U.S. cities.
The report attributes worsening air quality to wildfires, especially in Canada, and to dust storms.
U.S. air pollution rose 3% from 2024 to 2025, reaching an average of 7.3 micrograms per cubic meter and affecting major cities such as Chicago and New York.

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Story summary

In 2025, IQAir identifies El Paso and Los Angeles as among the most polluted U.S. cities.
The report attributes worsening air quality to wildfires, especially in Canada, and to dust storms.
U.S. air pollution rose 3% from 2024 to 2025, reaching an average of 7.3 micrograms per cubic meter and affecting major cities such as Chicago and New York.