Philadelphia’s failing air quality hits hardest in neighborhoods near industry and highways, where asthma rates soar

Greater Philadelphia earned failing air quality grades. A new study finds higher asthma rates near industry and major roads, especially where green space is scarce.

By: Qian He, Rowan University; Mahbubur Meenar, Rowan University, and Sean Olcese, Rowan University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 5, 2026

Words: 1,286

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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By Qian He, Rowan University; Mahbubur Meenar, Rowan University, and Sean Olcese, Rowan University

Philadelphians who live near industrial land and major roads – those who live in the Port Richmond and Bridesburg neighborhoods along I-95, or the Delaware River port-industrial corridor, for example – face worse air pollution and are more likely to have asthma than residents who live farther from those sites.

Philly neighborhoods with a higher percentage of green areas, by contrast, …

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