The American Lung Association released their annual report, showing Kern County failing in all catagories for poor air quality and air pollution.
According to the list, Bakersfield is the most polluted city in the U.S for "Year Round Particle Pollution" and a close 2nd for Ozone, just behind Los Angeles. This is particularly worrisome for the elderly, children, and other sensitive groups who have developed other asthma and lung related diseases.
Bakersfield's American Lung Association spokesperson says there are many factors that contribute to our poor air quality, including some factors that can not be changed such as the geographical features of the southern San Joaquin Valley. The agricultural and petroleum industries, as well as the major highways that pass through Kern County are all contributing factors.