Bummer alert! Our world hasn't been exactly rocked by this news, but just in case you were wondering, the air in Los Angeles is pretty bad. So is the air in Salt Lake City, and Pittsburgh. Actually, the air quality in most major U.S. cities is downright atrocious. This is all according to a State of the Air report from the American Lung Association ...
Now, don't get us wrong: We have a lot of love in our hearts for most of the cities on this list; however, it makes us want to put on a gas mask and start loading up the U-haul. The Bay Area, where we're located, doesn't fare too well — an F for ozone pollution and a C for particle pollution.
This is the map we're going to consult if we ever decide to relocate — it lists the U.S. cities with the cleanest air.
You can check on your city's report card right here, just plug in your zip code.
How does your air quality measure up? Let us know.
Via GreenLAGirl
(Image: Flickr member Ben Amstutz licensed under Creative Commons)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Er... which Bay Area are you talking about? Because parts of the SF Bay Area rate pretty darn high on the Good scale. It really depends on which county you live in. I'm very fortunate to live in San Mateo County, where the prevailing winds tend to sweep pollutants inland. Sorry, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. D:
view Elizabeth B's profile
The title of your article is kind of misleading. New Yorkers, for one, live on average longer than non-city dwellers because they walk so much. (I forget where this is cited but it it true.)
view chalkgirl's profile
When I lived near Chicago, my car had to be tested every year for pollutants. In the rural area I live in now, it never has to be tested. That part's not good, but it speaks to the quality of the air 150 miles away from The Really Big City.
view Aldyth's profile
Or, Aldyth, it speaks to the lack of regulation away from the city.
Something definitely needs to be done about city air but I don't think moving out is it. You might be able to find a small town where everything you need is within walking distance, but if you're talking about *really* moving to the country, you've got to drive a ways to get just about anything. Not too good for the air. Public transportation's a mess in Houston but at least it exists.
In any case, I don't see my job moving to the country anytime soon, so I intend to stay and fight. And cough, if I have to.
view whytephoenix's profile