Mountain West Cities Among Most Polluted, Affecting Air Quality for Children
A recent report by the American Lung Association highlights significant air quality issues in the Mountain West region of the United States. The report, titled 'State of the Air', indicates that about half of U.S. children are exposed to unhealthy air. Cities such as Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Fort Collins, Albuquerque, and Boise are ranked among the most polluted in terms of ozone levels. The report attributes these high pollution levels to factors like extreme heat, which exacerbates ozone formation, and geographical features that trap polluted air. Additionally, wildfire smoke contributes to the problem, especially as climate change leads to more intense and prolonged fire seasons. 
