186 million in U.S. live with dangerous air pollution

[Barack_America]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Six in 10 U.S. residents -- more than 186 million people -- live in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution, the American Lung Association reported on Wednesday.

The air in many U.S. cities became dirtier last year, the association said in its annual "State of the Air" report.

"Despite almost 40 years since the Clean Air Act passed in 1970, six in 10 Americans still live in dirty air areas, areas where the air is unhealthful to breathe," the group's Paul Billings said in a telephone interview.

Los Angeles was ranked as the U.S. city with the worst ozone pollution, also known as smog, a position it has held for nine of the past 10 years. Bakersfield, California, was worst for year-round particle pollution and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was worst for short-term particle pollution.

Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE53S7ME20090429

[Mnemosyne]

1. Thanks a lot, *co. n/t

[Baby Snooks]

2. I thought the problem was smokers...

If everyone in this country quit smoking, 6 out of 10 Americans would probably still die of a smoking-related condition or disease. Caused by air pollution. Not by smoking.

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. US map graphic

A B C D F

A = Best/Cleanest in the US; F = Worst/Dirtiest in the US.

[MasonJar]

4. California is so liberal and yet so backward in this area; they tried to improve the pollution

situation through car pollution regulation, but the Bushista thwarted them. However, even that improvement will not save Californians without a definitive reduction in automobiles and an increased public train/transit system. California and several other locales may have to eventually ban the automobile.

[Whoa_Nelly]

7. It's not just the vehicles

It's the cows/cattle, especially here in the San Joaquin Valley.

Methane is no joke when it comes to poor air quality.

[Baby Snooks]

9. And don't forget industry...

There are a lot of factors at work in Southern California. Industry among them. It is scary to see all of Southern California in red.

[Barack_America]

5. That's a great map.

Thanks for posting it.

Sad to see no blue on it.

[KakistocracyHater]

6. nasal strips, nasal sprays, nostril openers

are getting more popular; a whole section of Rite Aid is dedicated to helping people breathe easier. Coincidence?

[L. Coyote]

8. Drove over the Rockies today into Denver. Couldn't see it though, just haze.

Coming out of the canyon was horrific. All you saw was smog. It was impossible to determine if there was land or sea ahead until you got there.

[Barack_America]

10. That is so sad. nt