Nationally, Sacramento is the fifth most ozone-polluted city according to the 2019 State of the Air report released by the American Lung Association, comparing 228 metropolitan areas. Ozone is another pollutant of concern in Sacramento.

1,2 Winter months in Sacramento also experience strong cool air inversions as a result of the city’s high-pressure system, which can contribute to sustained high air pollution levels. In 2019, particularly during November, elevated air pollution levels in Sacramento were largely attributable to wildfires, such as the Ranch fire in Tehama County that burned more than 2,500 acres, and the Kincade fire in Sonoma County that burned 77,758 acres. This is typically because of increased wood burning and heating as well as temperature inversions that prevent polluted air from dispersing. November was the most polluted month of 2019, with a monthly PM2.5 average of 21.9 μg/m3, or AQI 72, followed by December (15.9 μg/m3) and January (13.6 μg/m 3).Įlevated pollution levels in the winter are common around the world. November, December, and January experienced average ratings of “moderate” that failed to meet US EPA standards.

In 2019, Sacramento averaged a PM2.5 level of 8.7 ug/m 3, thereby meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) target for annual exposure (< 10 μg/m 3). Due to the pollutant’s prevalence and relatively high health risk, it is often responsible for determining the overall air quality index (AQI). PM2.5 is one of six criteria pollutants measured by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine an air quality rating.

Air quality in Sacramento generally averages a US AQI rating of less than 50, or “good.” The “good” air quality distinction describes air that is satisfactory and poses little to no risk to health.

Figure 8 fitness curtis park sacramento