While the Tampa Bay area has had some issues with sewage, it's getting some high marks for helping you breathe easier.
A new air quality report from the American Lung Assocation ranks the metro area 1st for cleanest in particle pollution.
There has been an issue with high ozone days. That's where Hillsborough gets a D. But all the neighboring counties get an at least an average grade, but score high for little to no particle pollution.
The study looks at two types of pollution: Ozone and particle.
We all know the ozone - the invisible shield in the upper atmosphere protecting us from the sun.
But when ozone develops near the ground as a result of emission from cars or power plants and mixes with the air we breathe, that's bad.
Particle pollution, on the other hand, is the stuff that gets in our air that wasn't supposed to be there. Think smoke or aerosols.
The rankings:
High ozone days
- Hillsborough - D
- Manatee - B
- Pasco - C
- Pinellas - B
- Polk - C
- Sarasota - C
Particle Pollution
- Hillsborough A
- Manatee - DNC
- Pasco - DNC
- Pinellas - A
- Polk - A
- Sarasota - A
You can dive into those rankings and see how the Tampa Bay area compares to some of your other favorite cities.
What other people are reading right now:
- Dad accused of shooting 2-year-old in the face during fight with boy's mom
- Wisconsin man claims $768 million Powerball jackpot
- Man who stopped alleged sexual assault of boy dies
- Brawling Easter Bunny was a wanted fugitive, authorities say
- Woman arrested after allegedly tossing 7 newborn puppies into dumpster
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.
Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
