Just because you can’t see air pollution doesn’t mean it’s not there. The fact is the San Joaquin Valley has a
serious air pollution problem that affects our health and our local economy.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of our air pollution is created
right here at home. Data indicates
that approximately 27 percent of the total air pollution in the northern portion
of the District comes from the Bay Area. In
the central portion of the District, the percentage drops to eleven and in the
southern area, transport air pollution constitutes nine percent of the total air
pollution inventory.
The Valley is particularly vulnerable to air pollution formation because of its
topography, climate, and growing population.
Surrounding mountains trap airborne pollutants near the Valley floor
where people live and breathe. In
addition, the Valley’s hot, summer temperatures promote the formation of
harmful ground-level ozone (also known as smog). Finally, as population levels increase, so does air
pollution. More people equals more
cars and more activities that contribute to poor air quality.
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