DAYTON — In the American Lung Association’s 2023 “State of the Air” report, Dayton has been named one of the cleanest cities in the United States for short-term particle pollution.
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The report grades Americans’ exposure to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone air pollution, annual particle pollution, and short-term spikes in particle pollution from 2019 through 2021.
“Here in Dayton and across the nation, we are seeing ozone pollution improving, thanks in big part to the success of the Clean Air Act. But there is more work to do,” said Ken Fletcher, Advocacy Director for the Lung Association. “Even one poor air quality day is one too many for our residents at highest risk, such as children, older adults, individuals who are pregnant, and those living with chronic disease. That’s why we are calling on lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels to take action to ensure that everyone has clean air to breathe.”
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Compared to last year’s report, Dayton experienced fewer unhealthy days of high ozone, ranking 58th most polluted city for ozone pollution, and no unhealthy days for short-term particle pollution.
However, year-round particle pollution levels in Dayton were slightly higher than in the previous year’s report, ranking 37th most polluted for year-round particle pollution.
Nationwide, the American Lung Association is calling for new pollution limits on ozone and particle pollution and new measures to clean up power plants and vehicles to improve air quality.
In terms of particle pollution, so far in 2023, the Lung Association gave Montgomery, Clark, and Preble County A ranks. The study also showed that Hamilton County received a C rank.
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