Air pollution is a global issue, and people with respiratory problems should be extra careful about the pollution levels outside. When it comes to relocating to a new place, one of the most critical factors to consider would be the air quality in the city. If anyone in the family has a respiratory illness like asthma or bronchitis, settling down in these most air-polluted cities would be a bad idea.

1. Fairbanks, Alaska
For the past few years, several regions in Alaska have recorded the highest levels of air pollution. The American Lung Association named Fairbanks the country’s most polluted city in 2018. The problem is attributed to the high number of wood-burning stoves and forest fires in the region. Hence, this city is known to be risky for people with lung issues and asthma.

2. Visalia-Porterville, California
For more than a decade, this city in California has ranked among the most air-polluted cities in the US. The state is highly populated and has a lot of vehicular movement that contributes to the problem. Although the region has strict environmental laws to combat the issue, the air quality continues to decline.

3. Carlsbad, California
Another city in California, Carlsbad, is known for dangerous levels of ozone pollution. People who live in the region experience chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.

4. Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson Metropolitan Area, Indiana
This bustling metropolitan area in Indiana is another region where ozone pollution is on the rise. Besides, the location also has year-round particle pollution, making matters worse.

5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This is another city that has often bagged the top positions among the worst cities for people with respiratory illnesses by the American Lung Association. Besides overall poor air quality, Pittsburg is also known for its increasing ozone pollution levels.

6. Bakersfield, California
With the enormous factories and other factors posing a threat to the air quality, the Bakersfield region continues to suffer from ever-increasing air pollution levels. It is also one of the highest-rated cities for particle pollution levels in the country.

7. Fresno, California
Fresno has a reputation for offering a very affordable cost of living than most other Californian cities. But it is also severely hit in terms of air pollution levels. So it is better to stay away from the region.

If you or a family member is vulnerable to air quality, think twice before moving to one of the most air-polluted cities in the US mentioned above. Asthmatics and others with chronic respiratory conditions often find themselves suffering from frequent illnesses due to the poor air quality in these locations. If you have to settle down in these places due to unavoidable situations, ensure that adequate healthcare facilities are easily accessible.