PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new report names Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the most challenging city in America for people with asthma to call home.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America examined cities across the country and ranked the 100 largest metro regions in order of risk for people with asthma.
Allentown came in at No. 1 because it has the highest rate of asthma-related ER visits, the report says.
Philadelphia landed fourth on the list and is described as worse than average for both asthma rates and asthma deaths.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America spokesperson Andy Spears said there are several reasons why Philadelphia’s air can be harsh.
“Pollution is one factor, but persistent poverty and some of the conditions that exist with that. Exposure to allergens and airway irritants,” he said, “maybe substandard housing … also create exacerbation, and then the cost of care, access to health insurance, for example, can be a real barrier.”
Harrisburg was ranked No. 32, and Pittsburgh No. 38. Cities in New Jersey and Delaware did not make the list.
The easiest cities to breathe are Provo, Utah, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Cape Coral, Florida.
Philadelphia is not far behind
Philadelphia is not far behind
