According to the Air Quality Index, the air quality in Los Angeles is unhealthy for everyone, especially those with breathing issues. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be an isolated incident. This article takes you on a tour of 5 cities with the worst air quality for people who have breathing problems such as asthma, COPD, and seasonal allergies:
1. Dayton, OH
The city of Dayton has a significant issue with air quality. It is ranked as the number 1 most polluted city in the United States. Dayton has had over 6,000 different days of unhealthy air pollution readings, with one of the worst coming in 2012. The city was at 99 on the Air Quality Index, which is considered hazardous for those with breathing issues. The Air Quality Index measures the number of various pollutants in the air. These pollutants can be caused by several sources, such as cars, factories, mining, and natural occurrences. Dayton has worked with companies to reduce their emission levels to provide a healthier environment for all its residents.
2. Greensboro NC
It ranks as the 3rd most polluted city in the United States. It is based on measurements of pollution exposure made by the American Lung Association. The city uses this data to track air quality, which can help provide a better plan for improving and sustaining that environment. Greensboro has taken various steps toward better air quality for the community, such as lowering emissions from schools and factories. They also work with their local government to bring awareness to their residents.
3. Philadelphia, PA
The city of Philadelphia has had a long history of air quality issues. They have the worst record for having 28 consecutive days of unhealthy air pollution than any other city in the United States. This problem comes from various sources, such as factories, public transit vehicles, and other prominent emission factors in the city. The city has improved its Air Quality Index by working with the local government to bring awareness and solutions to its residents.
4. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, OH, has the worst air quality in Ohio. It is also ranked as the 4th most polluted city in the United States based on the American Lung Assn measurements. Cleveland has taken measures to improve its air quality, such as instituting a ban on burning trash during weekends and providing better ways to monitor pollution levels in the area. They have two factories, which helps contribute to their high amount of pollution exposure, so they have been working with residents and companies to reduce this level of exposure.
The data shows that much work is to be done before air quality improves across the US. Several cities, with Dayton, OH, and Springfield, MA, being the worst offenders, have high pollution exposure and poor air quality. These cities all ranked in high numbers on the Air Quality Index, which means they experience unhealthy levels of pollution more than other cities in the country. Cities such as Greensboro, NC, have made efforts to work with their residents to improve air quality but still need help from other emission sources in the area.
