GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Despite efforts to reduce air pollution in West Michigan, nearly every county in the 13 ON YOUR SIDE viewing area saw an increase in ozone pollution, or smog.
The American Lung Association released its State of the Air 2018 report on Wednesday, April 18. Allegan, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties all received a failing grade this year.
Mason County received a D grade.
The City of Grand Rapids also tied for the 34th most polluted metro area in the nation.
This year's report showed ozone levels increased in most cities nationwide, in large part due to warmer temperatures in 2016. Ozone can cause wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks and premature death.
The Detroit Metropolitan Area is ranked 40th most polluted for ozone.
To see county-by-county scores, as well as what methods were used to calculate these findings, visit the American Lung Association's website.
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Matt Gard is the Senior Producer of the 13 Morning News. If you have a story idea, you can contact him on Twitter, @mgard_wzzm13 or by e-mail, MattGard@wzzm13.com.
