Reports give Detroit failing air quality grade
The American Lung Association report ranks Detroit ozone levels 32nd in the nation.
Dodge Fountain at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit.
A new report ranks Detroit as the 32nd most polluted area in the country when it comes to ozone levels. The American Lung Association’s annual report shows some reductions in soot and ozone concentrations in Detroit. But officials say overall, Detroit receives failing grades for air quality.
Lung Association Advocacy Specialist Ken Fletcher says the results are partially tied to recent extreme weather the area has experienced.
“High heat days — you know the heat kinda bakes and cooks the pollution in the air — the exhaust from cars and from power plants and from factories — and creates that ozone.” —Ken Fletcher, American Lung Association
Fletcher says high ozone levels can trigger asthma or more serious health problems. He says, on an individual level, driving less and cutting back on electricity use can help decrease air pollution.
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