Allen County has unsafe levels of ozone and particle pollution in the air - that’s according to The American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air report released Wednesday.
The association graded 27 Indiana counties, giving Allen County a D, and 13 others F’s for high levels of ozone.
Ozone, or smog, is one of the most widespread and powerful air pollutants.
Allen County also received a D for particle pollution, which according to the report, has recently been found to cause lung cancer, and is especially threatening for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart disease.
Still, the study says particle pollution levels are falling nationwide.
The ALA has several recommendations for improving air quality – like reducing pollution from power plants, strengthening air standards, and increasing funding for the Environmental Protection Agency.