thanks for visiting cnnmoney.

We're no longer maintaining this page.

For the latest business news and markets data, please visit CNN Business

10 most polluted cities

These 10 cities had the highest level of year-round pollution and some of the highest incidences of heart and lung issues as well, according to the American Lung Association's annual report.

10. Cincinnati

most polluted cities cincinnati
  • Population: 2.2 million
  • Cardiovascular cases: 164,000
  • Rank among ozone-polluted cities: Not in top 25

With three major interstate routes meeting in the metro area, much of Cincinnati's air pollution comes from vehicle exhaust.

Megan Hummel, spokeswoman for the Southern Ohio Air Quality Agency, said the agency is spearheading a campaign to reduce engine idling in the city. The program uses posters and pubic service announcements aimed at parents waiting to pick up schoolkids, reminding them to turn off engines within 30 seconds after stopping. It also managed a program to retrofit 519 school buses to burn fuel cleaner and took 63 older, dirtier buses out of service entirely.

Their efforts are paying off: The city has made steady progress reducing its smog and ozone levels, said Hummel.

"We routinely exceeded ozone standards in the 1990s and early 2000s and now we rarely do," she said.

Source: American Lung Association's State of the Air 2013 report
1. Ranking is based on year-round particle pollution. This is in the air we breathe and consists of such things as dust, metals, smoke, exhaust, pollen and acids, like nitrates and sulfates. 2. The data for cardiovascular disease includes all cases in a given city whether they were caused by air pollution or not. Air pollution puts those with cardiovascular disease at a higher risk of health issues. 3. Ozone is created when a chemical or fossil fuel, like coal or gasoline, is partially burned and the unburned hydrocarbons, when combined with ultraviolet light, form a gas that is very corrosive to lungs.
  @CNNMoney - Last updated April 24 2013 12:33 PM ET

Partner Offers

Find Homes For Sale

Real Estate Calculator
recalchome

Was my home a good investment?

Find out now

Personal Finance

Most Popular

LendingTree