There’s good news and bad news about U.S. air pollution. We’ll hit you with the good news first.
The American Lung Association released its State of the Air 2012 report today, and the study shows some improvement in the nation’s air quality (huzzah!).
The volunteer health organization examined 2008-2010 ozone levels, the main ingredient of smog air pollution, and air-particle pollution at official measuring sites across the U.S.
Out of the 25 cities with the most ozone pollution, 22 saw improvements in air quality over last year’s report. Similar advancements were seen among cities with the most year-round particle pollution.
And now for the bad news: Despite the progress, the country’s air is still woefully polluted. About 127 million Americans — a whopping 41 percent of us — still endure pollution levels that make it dangerous to breathe. Check out the top 10 regions with the dubious distinction of having the most year-round particle pollution. (Spoiler alert: If you’re from several parts of California, you may want to consider relocating).
1) Bakersfield and Delano, Calif.
2) Hanford and Corcoran, Calif.
3) Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Riverside, Calif.
4) Visalia and Porterville, Calif.
5) Fresno and Madera, Calif.
6) Pittsburgh and Newcaste, Pa.
7) Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale, Ariz.
8) Cincinnati, Ohio; Middletown, Ky.; and Wilmington, Ind.
9) Lousiville, Jefferson County, and Elizabethtown, Ky.; Scottsburg, Ind.
10) Philadelphia, Pa.; Camden and Vineland, N.J.; St. Louis, St. Charles, and Farmington, Mo. and Ill.
In addition to maps and lists of tourist attractions, perhaps these cities’ visitor centers can hand out oxygen masks?
