The American Lung Association has once again released its yearly Start of the Air report. The report lists the cities with the least amount of pollution, including ozone and air particle pollution.
Where are the least polluted cities in which to live? If you are fond of the great western part of the county, you might consider moving to Bismarck, North Dakota. It is #1 for cleanest ozone pollution and also #10 for cleanest year-round particle pollution. Also ranking high (#18) for year-round particle pollution is Fargo-Wahpeton, North Dakota. It is also ranked high for cleanest ozone pollution and short-term particle pollution.
Or, you could consider Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It too ranks high for cleanest ozone pollution. I know earlier this year, my family took a trip to visit family in Idaho and it was just incredible to step out of the car and actually smell fresh air. I didn’t think North Carolina’s air was that bad, but the crispness and freshness of Idaho air is just unbelievable.
Also up there on the list was Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Lincoln, Nebraska.
For those that like the northern middle of the country, both Duluth and Rochester Minnesota are very clean cities as far as pollution goes. It’s a good thing Rochester has clean air – it’s the home of the Mayo Clinic!
Okay, maybe you are not a fan of cold weather. There are some southern cities that top the charts for clean air. Brownsville-Harlingen-Raymondville, Texas not only has great weather, but also great air as far as ozone and short-term particle pollution levels go. Laredo is another Texas town that made top ranking in the State of the Air report this year.
It must be something about mountains because a little further east, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas, all surrounded by the Ozarks, made the list.
Still too cold for you? Then you may want to consider moving to Port St. Lucie-Sebastian-Vero Beach, Florida, which ranked #18 for cleanest year-round particle pollution or Honolulu, Hawaii, which ranked #3 for cleanest year-round particle pollution.