25 Worst Cities For Ozone Pollution (Forbes.com)
May 2, 2009
This time of year, many Americans are concerned with sunburns. In some areas, they should pay more attention to smog.
The reason? Though it’s often invisible, air pollution is a threat to 186 million Americans, according to a new report released by the American Lung Association.
The annual report—State of the Air 2009—found that six in 10 Americans live in counties where ozone or particle pollution has reached dangerous levels. Both types of pollution can be deadly and have been linked to worsening respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, and there is evidence that particle pollution increases risk of heart attacks and strokes.
25. Memphis, Tenn./Miss./Ark. (Metro Area)
Total Population: 1,280,533
Pediatric Asthma: 32,020
Adult Asthma: 76,368
Chronic Bronchitis: 31,237
Emphysema: 14,812
24. Merced, California (Metro Area)
Total Population: 245,514
Pediatric Asthma: 7,049
Adult Asthma: 12,588
Chronic Bronchitis: 5,429
Emphysema: 2,438
23. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Gainesville, Ga./Ala. (Metro Area)
Total Population: 5,626,400
Pediatric Asthma: 138,325
Adult Asthma: 311,600
Chronic Bronchitis: 133,797
Emphysema: 59,199
22. Kansas City-Overland Park-Kansas City, Mo./Kan. (Metro Area)
Total Population: 2,053,928
Pediatric Asthma: 48,203
Adult Asthma: 128,867
Chronic Bronchitis: 51,779
Emphysema: 25,151
21. Baton Rouge-Pierre Part, La. (Metro Area)
Total Population: 793,028
Pediatric Asthma: 18,387
Adult Asthma: 37,014
Chronic Bronchitis: 19,552
Emphysema: 9,051
20. Birmingham-Hoover-Cullman, Ala. (Metro Area)
Total Population: 1,188,764
Pediatric Asthma: 26,338
Adult Asthma: 78,595
Chronic Bronchitis: 30,989
Emphysema: 15,555