The quality of the community’s physical environment greatly impacts the health and well-being of the population. Poor air quality can be particularly detrimental to vulnerable populations. The relationship between elevated air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter and ozone, and compromised health, has been well documented. Negative consequences of ambient air pollution include the following.

• Decreased lung function
• Chronic bronchitis
• Asthma
• Other adverse pulmonary effects

Research, Best Practices & Logic Model – Physical Environment: Air Quality
View research, best practices, and example of the collective impact logic model related to Physical Environment

Moving Forward to a Healthier Environment

To help improve this measurement, local governments are taking the lead to help create healthy environments. On February 14, 2018, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to improve climate resiliency, expand environmental stewardship, support the local economy, and move towards a more sustainable future. Many other jurisdictions have also adopted their own climate action plans, including the City of San Diego, City of San Marcos, City of Chula Vista and City of Carlsbad.

In addition, the County of San Diego Air Pollution Control District monitors and forecasts local air pollution levels and allows county residents to check their current, local air pollution level using their zip code. They were recently awarded $2.5 million from the California Air Resources Board to help conduct air pollution monitoring in the district’s Portside Neighborhoods and take steps to reduce the air pollution and its impacts on residents.

Recycling

In 2025, 45.5% of the San Diego County population recycled.

Definition: Percent of the population who recycled products in last 12 months.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2025. Source: ESRI Community Analyst, Vintage 2025.

Ozone Design Value

In 2023, the average of ozone concentration of the 4th high 8-hour interval was .08.

Definition: 3-year average of the 4th highest 8-hour ozone concentration.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2023. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2023.

Particulate Matter 2.5

In 2024, the 3-year average of the 98th percental of collected samples for a 24-hour standard was 24.

Definition: 3-year average of the 98th percentile of collected samples for a 24-hour standard.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2023. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2023.

The reports below show the trend in Physical Environment-related expanded indicators over time in San Diego County. Tracking these expanded indicators across multiple years helps us understand long-term patterns and progress toward improving population health.