Bakersfield's high air pollution levels owe to the area's high-emission industries (such as agriculture and fossil-fuel based energy production), growing residential emissions, and its geographic and climatic conditions, which cause polluted air to become trapped in the valley.

Does Bakersfield have the worst air quality?

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A new study by Filterbuy reports out of all U.S. metropolitan areas with at least 500,000 residents, Bakersfield has the 4th worst air quality. In 2019, Bakersfield reported 119 days of healthy air quality, 151 days of moderate air quality and 95 days of unhealthy or hazardous air quality.

Why does it smell in Bakersfield?

Oil fields make up most of the view from the top of the bluffs, and the scent of petroleum is often detectable around the city. ... Freight trains hauling oil rumble through the city, and its many refineries billow smoke into the air. Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County are the unlucky nexus of this pollution.

Is Bakersfield air quality worse than Los Angeles?

Bakersfield and much of the valley, according to the report, are still among the most polluted areas of the country. ... On 24-hour particulate matter pollution, Bakersfield was ranked third worst. And ozone filled the gap, with Bakersfield ranking second worst behind our old rival, Los Angeles.

What city in California has the worst air quality?

In 2016, Bakersfield, California recorded the highest level of airborne pollutants of any city in the United States.

Bakersfield seeing worst air quality since 2015

How bad is Bakersfield air?

In its 2020 air quality report, Bakersfield ranked: #1 for annual particle pollution out of 203 metropolitan areas. #2 for 24-hour particle pollution out of 217 metropolitan areas. #3 for high ozone days out of 228 metropolitan areas.

How bad is Bakersfield CA?

As of 2020, Bakersfield was ranked at number one for annual particle pollution, number two for 24-hour particle pollution, and number three for high ozone days out of hundreds of other metropolitan areas in the United States.

Where is the armpit of California?

Bakersfield is the armpit of California (and possibly America).

Is Bakersfield toxic?

Yawn. Bakersfield has made yet another "run for your lives" list, this time ranking No. 2 on Forbes.com's list of the "most toxic cities" in the United States.

What US city has the worst air quality?

Los Angeles air pollution. Los Angeles has the most contaminated air in the country. With a population of roughly over 10 million, the Los Angeles area is a large basin with the Pacific Ocean to the west and bounded prominently on the north and east by the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains.

How did Bakersfield get its name?

Bakersfield is named after Thomas Baker, who came to the area in 1863.

What was the high in Bakersfield today?

High 73F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.

Does Bakersfield have valley fever?

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County had the highest number of valley fever cases in the state last year, according to new data. The California Department of Public Health is reporting that Kern had a total of 3,371 cases, a rate of 368 cases per 100,000 people.

Why is the air quality bad?

There are many factors that can lead to poor air quality, but the two most common are related to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone or particulate matter. ... Sunshine, rain, higher temperatures, wind speed, air turbulence, and mixing depths all affect pollutant concentrations.

Is Bakersfield water safe?

"Nobody should be afraid to drink from the tap," said Florn Core, water resources manager for the city of Bakersfield. "Our water is tested and certified that it is pure and clean."

Is Kern County water safe to drink?

Discovery of a known carcinogen in local wells has raised concerns, but according to state and local agencies, Kern County water is safe to drink and local produce safe to consume.

What is Bakersfield California known for?

Bakersfield is famous for being the home of country music singers Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, and has the nickname "the country music capital of the West Coast." This is a result of the large number of Dust Bowl refugees that settled in the area.

Is Fresno the armpit of California?

So, speaking as a proud Fresno native, I can comfortably say that when people refer to the city as the armpit of California, they're not entirely wrong. It's hot, smelly and no stranger to hardship — but, hey, what's a community without a little character.

Is Bakersfield good place to live?

The annual report is based on the quality of life, desirability, job market, value and housing. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The U.S. News World Report's has just released its top places to live in 2019 -- and Bakersfield made the cut.

Is Bakersfield worth visiting?

Once known for oil and agriculture, Bakersfield is morphing into a Central Valley hub for arts, culture, and sports, while still offering a glimpse of the region's past. One fascinating historical site worth a visit is Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, 45 miles/72 kilometers north of town.

What is the best area to live in Bakersfield CA?

1. Olde Stockdale. On its way to becoming one of the best places to live in California, Bakersfield has a number of amazing communities and nice neighborhoods to choose from. ...
2. Tevis Ranch. ...
3. Quailwood. ...
4. Amberton. ...
5. Downtown Bakersfield. ...
6. Seven Oaks. ...
7. Laurel Glen.