America's 10 Dirtiest Cities

Seven of the dirtiest cities in the U.S. are in California, where voters rejected Prop 23 earlier this month, which would have temporarily suspended emission-reduction requirements.


The American Lung Association, which compiled the list of dirty cities, said the 20 million residents in these areas are at increased risk of asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Businesses, which supported Prop 23, say tougher emission-reduction demands will push industry out of the state. But supporters argue that green industry will replace dirty industry when it goes.


The 10 dirtiest cities are:


1. Bakersfield, Calif.

2. Los Angeles

3. Fresno, Calif.

4. Visalia, Calif.

5. Hanford, Calif.

6. Phoenix

7. Birmingham, Ala.

8. Modesto, Calif.

9. Sacramento

10. Pittsburgh


Source: Forbes, Christopher Helman (11/15/2011)