By: TAMARA BARAK APARTON
Examiner Staff Writer
04/29/09 12:05 AM
San Francisco's ozone pollution is among the lowest in the United States, but The City earned a failing grade for its dangerous levels of particle pollution.
San Francisco was among 38 California counties that received at least one "F" in the American Lung Association's 2008 State of the Air report card, released Wednesday. This year, 12 more counties received failing grades than last year, reflecting the tighter national ozone standard implemented in 2008.
Particle pollution, — a mix of soot, diesel exhaust, metals and aerosols — is the deadliest form of pollution, Lung Association officials said. Breathing in particle pollution can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, asthma and heart disease. It has also been linked to lung problems in children.
On the other hand, San Francisco earned an "A" for its low ozone pollution level. But that doesn't mean The City doesn't generate pollution — only that it is carried to other counties due to favorable wind patterns, according to the report.
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