L.A. Air Smoggiest in Nation

The Los Angeles area has the most ozone pollution in the nation, according to a report released today.

However, the region dropped to No. 4 in short-term particle pollution and No 3. in annual particle pollution in the yearly air-quality report from the American Lung Association.

"This report shows that air pollution remains a serious health threat to too many Californians," said Jane Warner, president and chief executive of the California chapter of the American Lung Association. "Unhealthy levels of air pollution still
exist, putting the health of millions Californians at risk."

Air quality in the state overall was the best it has been in 13 years, when the American Lung Association started its annual State of the Air report.

The survey looked at ozone levels, or smog, short-term particle pollution, and annual particle pollution average levels over the year.

More than 90 percent of Californians live in counties with unhealthy air, particularly in the Central Valley, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Sacramento, and San Diego, according to the Lung Association.

"Ozone and particle pollution contribute to thousands of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and deaths every year," said Dr. Kari Nadeau, a Stanford Medical School professor and American Lung Association researcher.

—City News Service contributed to this report.