Air quality is a major concern for anyone with breathing issues. You know how difficult breathing can be if you have breathing issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or environmental asthma if exposed to their triggers. You can develop these conditions due to smoking and the secretion of certain chemicals in smoke. As such, some cities have much worse air quality than others. If you have been diagnosed with breathing issues, the list below might give you an idea of where to move to or avoid:
1. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland is one of the worst air quality cities in the entire country. Its location in the Great Lakes region causes it to have a greater amount of smog and particulate pollution. Cleveland’s air pollution is especially dangerous because it is also one of the most allergy-rich cities in the U.S. Poor air quality is primarily due to the city’s reliance on industry. Oil refineries, steel mills, and other heavy industrial plants contribute to the city’s poor air quality. The industries emit poisonous gasses hazardous to people with breathing issues such as asthma.
2. Springfield. MA
The city’s air quality has been dubbed the “Smoggy” by locals. The main problems in Springfield are smog, ozone, and particulate pollution, all of which can worsen asthma and COPD. Smog, or photochemical smog, occurs when pollutants in the air react with sunlight. The reaction generates harmful free radicals and ozone, a yellowish gas that attacks lung tissue. Ozone is particularly dangerous for people with COPD and asthma because it causes inflammation and shortens the airways. Particulate pollution, including dust and ash, is a major health problem for people with breathing problems.
3. Dayton, OH
Particulate pollution is particularly worse in Dayton, Ohio, making it an allergen-rich environment for those with allergies. Besides the ash left over from the fossil fuel industry, smog is a major problem in Dayton. Smog in Dayton is particularly bad in the warmer months. This climate change is a major contributor to Dayton’s worsening air quality since it brings higher levels of smog-producing pollutants like ozone and particulate matter. Dust pollution present in the city can trigger allergic reactions like asthma. And since ash is the result of burning fossil fuels, it can exacerbate conditions like asthma and heart disease.
4. Greensboro, NC
Greensboro, North Carolina, is an allergen-rich city with poor air quality throughout the year. Poor air quality in Greensboro is caused by traffic, which increases the amount of particulate pollution in the air. Particulate pollution is especially problematic for those with COPD and other respiratory issues. It irritates the lungs and also triggers asthma.
5. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is a poor air quality city with all three major air pollution problems: smog, ozone, and particulate. The combination of smog and ozone irritates the lungs and causes asthma in people with breathing problems. All of these problems are exacerbated by particulate pollution in the air. Particulate pollution is a result of both vehicle emissions and the burning of coal and oil that emits smoke. It triggers both asthma and COPD and is especially dangerous for those with breathing problems.
Air pollution is an increasing health concern across the United States. Breathing in polluted air can cause several health issues, including shortness of breath, coughing, and respiratory tract irritation. If you are experiencing breathing issues like COPD or environmental asthma, finding an area with good air quality is essential.
