Origins of Air Pollution

Although some emissions occur naturally in our atmosphere, most are from human activities at work, at home and on the road. They are released from cars, trucks, buses, planes, trains, ships, refineries, factories, gasoline stations, solvent-based paints and cleaners and consumer products. Transportation creates over half the air pollution in our region. The remainder comes from stationary sources such as power plants, industries, small- and medium-sized businesses, homes and consumer products.

What is Smog?

Smog refers to air pollution that is formed when gases from many sources mentioned are released into the air and chemically react with each other in sunlight. Ocean breezes sweep the smog inland and toward the mountains where an inversion layer of warm air pushes it down, trapping the smog close to the ground where we live and breathe.

Who is Affected by Air Pollution?

Anyone can be affected by air pollution, but those considered to be most sensitive are people with heart or lung diseases (such as asthma), the elderly, infants and children, and pregnant women. Even healthy people who exercise outdoors during smoggy hours are affected.

Health Consequences of Air Pollution

Smog can cause numerous health issues including:

• Chest discomfort
• Congested sinuses
• Coughing
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
• Long-term health problems affecting your respiratory, cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems 
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Worsened existing conditions such as asthma, emphysema or angina

Air Quality In Our Community

The City of Commerce is located in Los Angeles County and is part of the South Coast Air Basin. The resources below can give you up-to-date real time and historical air quality data by air district.

The CARB Pollution Mapping tool can be used to check the emission levels of pollutants from local facilities in the area.

The Air Quality and Meteorological Information System (AQMIS) provides a combination of preliminary and official air quality data.

Measuring Air Quality

Accurately measuring air quality is the foundation of California's efforts to reduce air pollution. Collecting data on a wide range of air pollutants makes it possible to track the progress in cleaning the air. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change.

AB 617 - Residential Air Filtration Program

In an effort to reduce residential exposure to particulate matter, participating AB 617 Communities such as those in West Commerce are eligible for portable air filtration units and replacement filters. Apply at AQMD using this link.

Community Boundary Map