Allen County has unsafe levels of ozone in the air - that’s according to The American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air report released Wednesday.
The association graded 28 Indiana counties, giving Allen County a D, and 15 others D’s or F’s for high levels of ozone.
Ozone, or smog, is one of the most widespread and powerful air pollutants.
Another air health indicator, particle pollution, has recently been found to cause lung cancer, and is especially threatening for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart disease.
While the study says particle pollution levels are falling nationwide, Allen County improved its particle pollution grade since last year, going from a D to a B.
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.