50 U.S. Cities With the Cleanest Air
By
Hannah Lang, Stacker News
AND Anna Funk, Stacker News
On 3/12/21 at 8:00 PM EST
The quality of air inhaled isn't something Americans consciously think about every day, but World Health Organization research reveals that 92 percent of the global population lives in places with unhealthy air quality.
Air pollution can come from transportation, coal-fired power plants, industrial activity, and other human-perpetuated activity as well as natural events like dust storms and wildfires. These invisible pollutants in the air can create smog and acid rain and can lead to serious health problems. Air pollution causes about 1 in 8 deaths worldwide and accounts for many instances of chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, strokes, and heart attacks. Ozone, which is the main ingredient in smog, can also increase the risk of asthma.