(AURN News) — How clean is your air? The American Lung Association released its latest report this week that includes the most polluted cities in the United States, revealing surprising locations impacted by significant air pollution. Cities were ranked based on ozone pollution, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution.
Leading the list for ozone pollution is Los Angeles-Long Beach, California. Visalia, California, followed closely, along with Bakersfield-Delano, California; Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona; and Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran, California. Completing the top 10 are Denver-Aurora-Greeley, Colorado; Houston-Pasadena, Texas; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, California; Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah-Idaho; and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas-Oklahoma.
California dominated the rankings for year-round particle pollution, with Bakersfield-Delano listed first, followed by Visalia and Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran.
According to the American Lung Association, air pollution can cause a variety of health issues ranging from wheezing and coughing to asthma and even lung cancer. Other potential health problems include heart attacks, strokes, and premature death.
The organization also says that ozone is a lung irritant, and exposure can negatively affect respiratory health and potentially shorten lifespans.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
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