Dallas, Texas (WiredPRNews.com)–Although Las Angeles, California has, for many years, led the nation in smog and pollution, a new city has emerged as the sootiest of the nation according to a report released by the American Cancer Association. This is a first for the California city who has lead the list that determines the nation’s most polluted cities.
“Pittsburgh overtook Los Angeles in the category that measures short-term particle pollution or soot. Los Angeles, the country’s longtime soot and smog leader, has enacted aggressive measures to tackle sources of pollution, resulting in a substantial drop in particle pollution levels, said Janice Nolen, the association’s assistant vice president of national policy and advocacy.” However, Los Angeles still holds the title for all-around pollution.
Nolen also pointed out that it is not Pittsburgh who is entertaining higher levels of particle pollutants and smog; it is that Los Angeles is taking strides in effort to rectify the problem and their levels are improving. “If the trend continues, Pittsburgh will top two lists, and LA will only be leading the nation in ozone.”
Remaining consistent, Los Angeles still holds strong in two other categories which measures year-round soot levels and smog. Statewide, 26 out of California’s 52 counties with stations that monitor air quality failed for “having either high ozone days or particle pollution days.” The study also showed that 42% of the nation’s population lives in highly polluted counties with elevated levels of ozone or particle pollution.
So which cities are the cleanest? For crisp clear air and low levels of detrimental pollutants, Fargo, North Dakota and Salinas, California are the cleanest.