A new report states that approximately more than half the U.S. population lives in areas where the air is dangerous to breathe. However, Honolulu and Santa Fe-Espanola N.M. are the only cities in the nation where smog and soot levels did not reach unhealthy stages. Residents in California, nonetheless, are continuing to breathe in some of the worst air. The American Lung Association's annual report relased on April 27th stated that about 48% of Americans live in areas where the smog is too high, 20% live where there are too many short-term spinkes in pollution, and 6% live in areas with harmful year-round soot. Scientists report that breathing in polluted air is hazardous to ones health, and affects more than just the lungs. It is shown that there is an increase in hospital admissions for respiratory problems, heart attacks, and strokes on days where smog levels spike. Air pollution can also contribute to low birth weights, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and shorter life spans.
Along with Los Angeles having the worst air pollution, the 10th spot on the list belongs to Charlotte and Gastonia, North Carolina. Even though these cities are experiencing bad air quality, rates have improved with the Clean Air Act, initiated over 40 years ago. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency believes the Clean Air Act has saved about 160,000 lives in 2010 alone. Ultimately, it is up to residents of these cities to help their community and keep the air clean. Whether its deciding to car pool a few mornings a week or looking into buying a hybrid car, citizens have the power to save their areas and fight against air pollution.
A new report states that approximately more than half the U.S. population lives in areas where the air is dangerous to breathe. However, Honolulu and Santa Fe-Espanola N.M. are the only cities in the nation where smog and soot levels did not reach unhealthy stages. Residents in California, nonetheless, are continuing to breathe in some of the worst air. The American Lung Association's annual report relased on April 27th stated that about 48% of Americans live in areas where the smog is too high, 20% live where there are too many short-term spinkes in pollution, and 6% live in areas with harmful year-round soot. Scientists report that breathing in polluted air is hazardous to ones health, and affects more than just the lungs. It is shown that there is an increase in hospital admissions for respiratory problems, heart attacks, and strokes on days where smog levels spike. Air pollution can also contribute to low birth weights, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and shorter life spans. 
Along with Los Angeles having the worst air pollution, the 10th spot on the list belongs to Charlotte and Gastonia, North Carolina. Even though these cities are experiencing bad air quality, rates have improved with the Clean Air Act, initiated over 40 years ago. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency believes the Clean Air Act has saved about 160,000 lives in 2010 alone. Ultimately, it is up to residents of these cities to help their community and keep the air clean. Whether its deciding to car pool a few mornings a week or looking into buying a hybrid car, citizens have the power to save their areas and fight against air pollution.
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