Alternative Health Blog

Let’s clear the air. Or, well, let’s try. A new study released by the American Lung Association shows that six of 10 Americans live in U.S. areas with dangerously high levels of air pollution.

That stinks.

What’s worse, air quality is getting worse in most American cities. The Clean Air Act of 1970 is apparently short on breath.

If you are wondering, yes, Los Angeles once again ranked highest in smog or ozone pollution, a dubious top spot it has held nine of the last 10 years (sorry about that, dear editors of the Alternative Health Blog).

Bakersfield, Calif., ranked as the worst populated area for year-round particle pollution while Pittsburgh was most unhealthy for acute or short-term particle pollution.

Perhaps most discouraging about this year’s report from the Lung Association is that many cities—after a number of improved years—have slipped in air quality. Towns like New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia and the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area fit this pattern.

To illustrate, the total number of affected Americans according to this year’s report is 186 million people. That’s up from 125 million or 4 of every 10 U.S. residents just one year ago.

Some definitions: Particle pollution is composed of tiny bits of soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols. These pollutants are measured both by the year-round levels in the air and by periodic spikes in their levels that can last for hours or days. Both kinds of particle pollution, if inhaled, can increase the risk or early death, heart attacks, strokes and emergency room visits for asthma and cardiovascular disease, the lung association reported.

Smog occurs when sunlight reacts with emission from motor vehicles and industrial plants. It is the most common form of urban pollution and can cause lung irritation, plus wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks. People at the highest risk are children, seniors and anyone with diseases such as asthma and diabetes.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency upgraded its standards for particle pollution last year, but Lung Association officials wrote in the report that “even tougher standards” will be necessary to protect both personal health and global warming.

Bob Condor blogs for Alternative Health Journal every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.