Top ten BEST places for allergies (and worst)
In 1996 and 1997, we posted info about the ten worst US cities for asthma sufferers as released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Often people ask “Where are the best places?” Sperling’s Best Places, in conjunction with Schering-Plough Corporation, has released it’s study of the ten best and worst places to live with allergies. Thanks to Lewis who provided the link and shared more comments about this here at Allergy Climates.
Topping the list of best places, according to the Sperling study, is Grand Rapids, MI. Louisville, KY, ranks worst. The AAFA study, which ranks Asthma (as opposed to the Sperling study which ranks Allergies) lists Atlanta, GA, as the worst US city to live in.
Sterling also seems to support what we’ve often pointed out here at Allergy Climates, that there is no safe-haven for allergy sufferers. Schering-Plough writes:
“A key finding of this study is that there is no geographic center for allergies…no part of the country is immune to their effects.”
The Sterling study is based on mean pollen and mold spore levels for the years 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999, while the AAFA does the studies annually. The AAFA study also takes into consideration air pollution. Air pollution and smog, especially ozone, are now believed to play an important role as triggers for asthma and allergy.
Recently, diagnosed as chronic asthmatic. Surprised California is on list because of level of pollution. I have done better since moved to Florida. Do coastal cities tend to be better for asthmatics? Are any southern states better for asthma?
Comment by Felicia Roberts — March 19, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
We live in the Middle TN basin (Nashville) which is horrible for allergies, because of both high pollen and plenty of pollutants being trapped in the basin. Everyone improves, sometimes dramatically, when we go to North FL and stay on the beach. I assume this is due to the sea breezes, which keep bringing in fresh air that is low in pollen and pollutants.
Comment by Fret Slate — May 22, 2008 @ 6:01 am