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The new study ranks California as one of the nation’s best states for lung health, citing lower smoking rates, air cleanliness, and environmental conditions that are more favorable than most of the countries.
The study, conducted by Opera Bed, analyzed a wide range of health and environmental data across all 50 states to determine where Americans develop chronic respiratory problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This study examined historical data on smoking prevalence, air pollution levels, toxic chemical emissions, humidity levels, and COPD rates in both men and women.
To conduct the study, researchers gathered information from several national sources, including the American Lung Association, the Environmental Protection Agency, American Health Rankings, and Forbe.
The state was assessed using a combination of adult smoking rates, air quality, pounds of released toxin per average miles, average humidity levels, and changes in COPD rates from 2018 to 2023.
COPD includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affecting more than 14 million US adults. Common symptoms include persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections.
Smoking is a major risk factor, but environmental factors such as air pollution, toxic smoke, and even humidity can worsen or contribute to the onset of disease.
Findings suggest that living on the West Coast could provide protective benefits to respiratory health. Six of the 10 best states for lung health are in the western United States, including California, which ranked sixth overall. Meanwhile, Colorado, Hawaii and New Mexico have won top three spots on the list.
Top 10 states for lung health:
ColoradoHawaiiNew MexicoMarylandNebrascaCaliforniaSouth DakotaConnecticutRhode IslandNew Jersey
At the other end of the spectrum, many of the states with the poorest rankings for lung health are located in the Midwest and South. Factors such as reduced clean air laws, high humidity levels, cold or extreme temperatures are thought to contribute to the higher risk of respiratory problems in those areas. Indiana, Ohio and Alaska ranked among the three worst states of lung health.
Lower 10 states for lung health:
IndianaOhioAlaskaPennsylvaniaMichiganNevadaTeneseleIsianaMississippiKentucky
Looking at the COPD rate specifically, California has won again. Just behind Utah, it ranked second in the lowest prevalence of COPD. Other states with low COPD rates include Hawaii, New Jersey and Washington.
Lowest COPD rate:
Utah CaliforniaHawaiiNew JerseyWashingtonMinnesotaColoradoConnecticutNewMexicoTexas
In contrast, states with the highest COPD rates include West Virginia, Tennessee and Alabama, reflecting longstanding health and environmental challenges in parts of the South and Midwest.
The highest COPD rate state:
West VirginiaTennesseeAlabamaAlabamaAlkansaLouisiananaMichiganMaineMissouriIndiana(Thailand)Ohio and Oklahoma
For Californians, the findings of this study provide a positive snapshot of how state climate, public health policies and environmental standards contribute to improving respiratory health outcomes.
To view more details or the full method, please visit our official research page.
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