Air Pollution High in California Cities

Areas in California remain some of the most polluted in the U.S., with air quality that is likely damaging the health of millions of people, according to a report by the American Lung Association.

The report finds that Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Calif., and Visalla-Porterville, Calif., rank among the five U.S. cities most polluted with particulate and ozone pollution.

Almost 186.1 million Americans live in places where the air quality is probably bad enough to damage their health, at least part of the year, the report concludes.

The Pittsburgh-New Castle area in Pennsylvania ranked the worst in the nation for short-term particle pollution and second for the most year-round particle pollution. Particulates come from a variety of sources, including diesel and gasoline engines, power plants, construction and demolition projects, soil, and dust.

Breathing particulates can cause lung inflammation that can exacerbate diseases like asthma and chronic bronchitis, but also can contribute to cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke.

After Pittsburgh-New Castle, the cities with the worst particle pollution over a 24-hour period include:
Fresno-Madera, Calif.-Bakersfield, Calif.
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, Calif.
Birmingham-Hoover-Cullman, Ala.
Salt Lake City-Ogden-Clearfield, Utah
Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Yuba City, Calif.-Nev.

Amazing that 3 of the top 6 most poluted cities in America are in California. Driving around with the air conditioner on is much better for you than walking or riding a bike.