AIR QUALITY IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

There has been substantial improvement in air quality in the San Fernando Valley since 1976.  Los Angeles developed a reputation in the late 1940's and early 1950's as being an area with a chronic Smog problem.  As late as 1976 the area suffered from air quality challenges during as many as 38% of the days of the year.  For the first time since those early days, according to the California Air Resources Board, in 1999 the San Fernando Valley had no days where the Ozone levels exceeded the federal standards.

 

Air Quality in the San Fernando Valley

OZONE - NUMBER OF DAYS EXCEEDING THE FEDERAL STANDARD
Federal Standard (12 pphm, 1-Hour Average)
STN#    LOCATION 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987
 069   East San Fernando Valley 138 75 102 92 99 91 63 95 73 87 93 76
 074   West San Fernando Valley 122 126 68 103 98 96 66 67 78 75 72 60
                         
STN#    LOCATION 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
 069   East San Fernando Valley 64 40 40 55 47 16 18 20 6 2 7 0
 074   West San Fernando Valley 71 54 41 53 25 32 7 8 11 0 7 0
Source: California Air Resources Board