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Easiest Places to Breathe in the Country

Motor vehicles, school buses, industrial equipment and factories produce harmful nitrogen oxides that mix with volatile organic compounds to create smog, or ozone. Volatile organic compound sources may include human made-chemicals or chemical plants. Allergies, asthma and bronchitis are just a few diseases associated with high ozone levels. The easiest places to breathe in the country have very low smog levels, exercise practices that ban pollution and promote clean air and respiratory health.

  1. Bismarck, North Dakota

    • According to the American Lung Association website, Bismarck, North Dakota is ranked among the top cities for clean air. Bismarck is an ozone-free city that additionally boasts a number 10 ranking on the American Lung Association's list for year-round particle pollution. The capital of North Dakota has formed a tobacco prevention and control program run by the Bismarck Tobacco Free Coalition. Clean air is a city priority, as is evident by the coalition website's proclaimed vision to make the community tobacco free.

    Brownsville, Texas

    • Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine states that, "No matter what time of year you visit, birds and butterflies will be abundant". Brownsville being ranked as one of the top cities for clean air may contribute to the city's lush greenery and abundance of wildlife. Brownsville abounds with outdoor activities and is home to several local birding centers. It is also a top-ranking city for short-term soot emissions.

    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

    • Despite increased economic development, Coeur d' Alene was considered one of the easiest cities to breathe in during 2010. Activity within this bustling city centers around the lake which the city was named after. The Coeur d' Alene Visitors Bureau refers to the city as "your lakeside playground." The city is surrounded by several lakes that formed as a result of ice-age glacial activity.

    Duluth, Minnesota

    • Duluth rests on the shores of the world's largest lake, Lake Superior. With 129 municipal parks, rose gardens and sculpture gardens, Duluth is an outdoor paradise that was ranked among the easiest U.S. cities to breathe in during 2010. The rocky, cliff side city boasts year-round outdoor events. It was also awarded 13th place for having minimal year round particle pollution in 2010.

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