California ranks among top states for lung health, new study shows

A new study ranks California as one of the best states in the nation for lung health, citing lower smoking rates, cleaner air, and more favorable environmental conditions compared to much of the country.

The research, conducted by Opera Beds, analyzed a wide range of health and environmental data across all 50 states to determine where Americans are least likely to develop chronic respiratory issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The study looked at smoking prevalence, levels of air pollution, toxic chemical emissions, humidity levels, and historical data on 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, America’s Health Rankings, and Forbes. 

States were evaluated using a combination of adult smoking rates, air quality, pounds of toxins released per square mile, average humidity levels, and changes in COPD rates from 2018 to 2023. Kentucky and Pennsylvania were excluded from the COPD rate comparison due to missing recent data.

COPD, which includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, impacts more than 14 million U.S. adults. Common symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections. 

While smoking is a major risk factor, environmental elements like air pollution, toxic fumes, and even high humidity can aggravate or contribute to the development of the disease.

The findings suggest that living on the West Coast may offer protective benefits for respiratory health. Six of the ten best states for lung health are located in the western U.S., including California, which ranked sixth overall. While Colorado, Hawaii, and New Mexico took the top three spots on the list.

Top 10 states for lung health:

1. Colorado
2. Hawaii
3. New Mexico
4. Maryland
5. Nebraska
6. California
7. South Dakota
8. Connecticut
9. Rhode Island
10. New Jersey

On 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 fewer clean air laws, higher humidity levels, and colder or more extreme temperatures are believed to contribute to higher risks of respiratory issues in those areas. Indiana, Ohio, and Alaska ranked as the three worst states for lung health.

Bottom 10 states for lung health:

1. Indiana
2. Ohio
3. Alaska
4. Pennsylvania
5. Michigan
6. Nevada
7. Tennessee
8. Louisiana
9. Mississippi
10. Kentucky

When looking specifically at COPD rates, California again scored well. It ranked second for the lowest prevalence of COPD, just behind Utah. Other states with low COPD rates included Hawaii, New Jersey, and Washington.

States with the lowest COPD rates:

1. Utah
2. California
3. Hawaii
4. New Jersey
5. Washington
6. Minnesota
7. Colorado
8. Connecticut
9. New Mexico
10. Texas

In contrast, the states with the highest COPD rates include West Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama, reflecting long-standing health and environmental challenges in parts of the South and Midwest.

States with the highest COPD rates:

1. West Virginia
2. Tennessee
3. Alabama
4. Arkansas
5. Louisiana
6. Michigan
7. Maine
8. Missouri
9. Indiana
10. (tie) Ohio and Oklahoma

For Californians, the results of this study offer a positive snapshot of how the state’s climate, public health policies, and environmental standards may be contributing to better respiratory health outcomes.

For more information or to view the full methodology, visit the official study page.