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California Tops U.S. for Worst Air Quality, Bakersfield Worst

4/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The American Lung Association’s 2026 report says California leads the U.S. in worst-air-quality cities.
Eight California metros rank in the top 25 most polluted, with Bakersfield-Delano worst for particle pollution and Los Angeles posting the most high-ozone days for 26 of 27 years.
The report finds 44% of Americans and 46% of children live in failing ozone or particle grades, and 10% of children face all three failing metrics.

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Story summary

The American Lung Association’s 2026 report says California leads the U.S. in worst-air-quality cities.
Eight California metros rank in the top 25 most polluted, with Bakersfield-Delano worst for particle pollution and Los Angeles posting the most high-ozone days for 26 of 27 years.
The report finds 44% of Americans and 46% of children live in failing ozone or particle grades, and 10% of children face all three failing metrics.