U.S. States With the Highest Asthma Rates
Those who suffer from asthma need to consider many factors when planning a move to a new state. Some of the most important factors are environmental, such as air pollution and the weather. So what exactly is environmental asthma? This is a form of asthma that flares up when different triggers in one’s environment are encountered. Let’s cover the top worst states and cities for those living with asthma, as well as some of the environmental triggers that exist there: 1. Massachusetts The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) noticed a pattern of increased asthma and allergy prevalence among “belts” of the nation. Massachusetts is part of the Northeast Mid-Atlantic Asthma Belt, which also includes other states on this list. Part of the reason this state ranks high is that it is highly urban and congested with motor vehicle traffic. A small, dense state combined with industrial pollution and car exhaust smog equals very poor air quality. 2. Virginia The parts of Virginia far from the coast rank low in desirability for asthma factors. Richmond is one city in this state that’s also included in the AAFA’s Northeast Mid-Atlantic Asthma Belt. This city is far from the coast, has a high poverty level with poor access to specialist doctors, high amounts of pollen, and urban air pollutants.