For 20 years, the American Lung Association has gathered and analyzed data from official air quality monitors creating its annual "State of the Air" report. It's been reported by the association that more than four in ten people currently live in areas where pollution levels are too dangerous to breathe. Now several factors contribute to such poor air quality; however, during the 20 years these reports have been conducted, Los Angeles has been ranked as the city with the most polluted air quality by ozone measurements.
Sadly, the city's air quality has gotten worse since last year's State of the Air report. The data gathered analyze ozone layers in the city. The San Bernardino and Riverside counties are also included with Los Angeles' data report which affects the city's ranking tremendously. Many may view smog as an obstruction from Los Angeles' cityscape, however, the long-lasting effects of poor air quality can cause severe damage like lung cancer with a higher risk for early death within specific age demographics.
On a lighter note, Los Angeles fared better in the ranks when it came to particle pollution, ranking seventh on the list. Where does your city stack up in this year's report? What direct steps can be implemented to help cities like Los Angeles increase air quality?
8 Comments
You can get particle counts for Beijing but you can't get them for L.A.
"Did it exceed the machines capabilities?" No.
Okay.
Today was so smoggy that I went outside, took a deep breath, and chipped a tooth. --Johnny Carson
I'm in Los Angeles today, asked a gas station employee if he ever had trouble breathing and he said "it varies from season to season, kid."
--Ben Gibbard
Dying slowly in LA!
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.