San Francisco Bay area homes face high air quality risks

Every home in the Bay Area is at high risk of experiencing poor air quality due to wildfires, a stark contrast to its status as one of the most expensive housing markets.

Christian Leonard reports for The San Francisco Chronicle.

In short:

A report by Redfin shows that all homes in the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas are highly susceptible to unhealthy air, mainly because of wildfires.
Among major U.S. metro areas, those in California face the highest risk of poor air quality.
Efforts to improve air quality in the Bay Area were effective until mid-2010s, but recent severe wildfires and ongoing emissions have deteriorated the situation.

Key quote:

"California is 'ground zero' for worsening air quality, with wildfires driving exposure to unhealthy air."

— First Street Foundation's research.

Why this matters:

The situation in the Bay Area serves as an example of the broader challenges climate change brings to urban health and living standards nationwide. How do wildfires impact your health?

www.ehn.org

San Francisco Bay area homes face high air quality risks

These two laws give EPA authority to regulate CO2 — if it wants to

Trees take root as Virginia’s frontline defense against urban heat

Forecasters predict, prepare for increased drought and wildfire risk after NOAA climate outlook

Data centers are straining the grid. Can they be forced to pay for it?

Facing a hotter climate and drying Great Salt Lake, some families plan to leave Utah

Trump shuns solar, but some prominent MAGA figures disagree

War-driven energy crisis gives China a boost for its renewable exports

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.