The air pollution levels are growing in metro cities, wherein the condition is turning from bad to worse with time. With an increasing number of people moving to big cities for jobs, the condition is unlikely to any improve anytime soon. People with respiratory problems should be aware of the air quality in the place they live in. To make things easier, here’s a list of the worst cities to live in with breathing issues.

1. Springfield, Massachusetts

Various factors make this city one of the least favorable places for people with respiratory illnesses. One of them is the poor air quality of this city. This has been steadily increasing with the rising population density. Another crucial factor is the pollen content in the air, which can trigger asthma attacks. This city, therefore, has been known to have a high number of asthma patients in the country.

2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Besides the actual problem of air quality, poverty is a pressing concern in this city. There are several asthmatic patients who go without proper treatment due to poverty. The fatality rate related to asthma is also relatively higher in this city than most other metros in the country.

3. Memphis, Tennessee

This is a city that has been showing a steady rise in asthma cases reported year after year. Similar to Philadelphia, the asthma fatality rate has been quite high in this city. It is also noted for the heavy pollen content in the air.

4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

During pollen season, this city witnesses a sudden surge in hospital visits. One of the main problems that people with breathing issues experience in this city is its poor smoking laws. This means that one may have to be wary of public smoking. It can further trigger asthma attacks even on a day where the air quality is not a problem.

5. Cleveland, Ohio

Almost 9% of the people residing in this city in Ohio are known to be asthmatic. Severe cases of asthma are also quite high, though the city does offer efficient asthma care to the patients.

6. Louisville, Kentucky

Known to have one of the poorest air qualities in the country, this is one of the worst cities to live in with breathing issues. But it is a city that has the fastest response time to respiratory illness cases.

These are the worst cities to live in with breathing issues. So, if you have found your place in this list, it means you need to pay closer attention to your breathing issues and plan everything in advance. You can even try to relocate to a different place. There are quieter suburbs you can choose to settle in that are close to most of these cities.