Located in the heart of Arizona is a small town with the highest air quality score in the state. The thriving town is known for its spectacular scenery, but air quality is beginning to threaten the health and well-being of its residents and wildlife. Take a closer look at the Arizona towns with the worst air quality in the state.

This article details what’s going on in this small town, how it has one of the worst air quality in the state, and its impact on locals and the environment. Also, find out what is being done to counteract what is happening.

The town with the worst air quality in Arizona

Arizona has several towns with poor air quality. However, it stands out with its high rating according to the Air Quality Index. The town of Tonto Basin is a lesson in how climate change and pollution are impacting the lives of the townspeople.

The Tonto Basin lies at the foot of the Mazazzal Mountains in West Gila County. The town was originally known as the last stronghold of the Apache Indians. But now it holds the record for the worst air quality in Arizona.

Tonto Basin Air Quality Score

Before looking at the Tonto Basins Air Quality Score, you need to understand how it’s calculated.of air quality index (AQI) is a numerical scale that measures air quality. Scale factors include pollutants, ground ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur, etc.

The formula works by measuring the amount of each contaminant and converting it into an index value. This is incorporated into the EPA Air Quality Index formula.

The result is the AQI score used to judge air quality. The AQI scale expresses air quality through a numerical ranking. The following scores and their meanings are:

• 0-5: Satisfactory and livable conditions. No risk of contamination or negative side effects.
• 51-100: Acceptable air quality that puts a small number of people who are sensitive to air pollution at risk.
• 101-150: Sensitive groups will experience negative symptoms from air pollution, while others will be healthy.
• 151-200: The general public experiences adverse health effects, and sensitive people experience long-term health problems.
• 201-300: The risk of contamination is so high that all animals are adversely affected.
• 301+: Everyone is affected and should be evacuated.

Currently, Tonto Basin has an Air Quality Score of 67.8.Although this is not terrible, increasing in number. Failure to do something about his AQI in Tonto Basin could have serious consequences in the future. If Tonto Basin falls to an AQI rating of 101-150, the public and surrounding animals will begin to feel the effects.

How Tonto Basin Got the Worst Air Quality Index Score

The Tonto Basin Air Quality Index score is exceptionally High compared to other parts of Arizona. Many believe that this is the cause of global warming. Despite their beliefs, it’s mostly due to the town’s unfortunate location.

Geographically, the town lies within a valley with mountain ranges. This is essential as basins trap pollution due to elevation. Pollution has nowhere to go, so the air remains stagnant and does not dissipate.

The town has several mining areas and industrial facilities. These factors largely contribute to the town’s pollution problems. In addition, population growth has brought more pollution to the area due to the use of more cars.

of Environmental Protection Agency has created guidelines on how towns can avoid this problem. However, local governments have not adhered to that recommendation.

Population of the Tonto Basin

As of 2023, the Tonto Basin is declining Population 1,437, according to World Population Review. The community thrives on agriculture, farming and tourism. Surrounded by mountains, the city has a lot of nature to offer visitors. This makes the town a unique destination for enthusiasts and those interested in outdoor activities.

However, poor air quality affects the health and well-being of residents. It is important to understand that high pollution levels can have lasting effects if inhaled continuously. Medical problems caused by poor air quality include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, and other cardiovascular diseases.

of National Institute of Environmental Health It also details the long-term effects of ignoring air pollution. It can affect not only the town’s population, but also its visitors. Poor air quality and pollution have been proven to cause short-term effects such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Wildlife of the Tonto Basin

The Tonto Basin is home to a wide variety of animal species, including mammals, reptiles and aquatic creatures. The town may be in a basin, but next door is the Tonto National Forest, home to mountain lions, black bears, mule deer and bobcats. There are also bald eagles, goshawks, and numerous native fish species.

Poor air quality contaminates water sources and soils and can affect wildlife. Pollutants sink into the soil and are absorbed by plants and leaves. Animals that eat these plants ingest the pollutants.

Discover the Arizona town with the worst air quality in the state

Poor air quality in the Tonto Basin is a concern for all locals. As the basin traps more pollutants in the area, it will not only become a bigger problem, but it will begin to affect all life there.

Fortunately, efforts are being made to address this issue. The government is implementing environmental regulations and promoting sustainable lifestyles in the Tonto Basin. It is the residents who can change this by spreading ecological awareness.

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