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?
