The Dirtiest Cities in the United States

May 1st 2008

When you think of vacations you probably think about getting away from it all. For most people there is a vision of clean, crisp air and plenty of peach and tranquility. Before you make the plans for your next getaway you might want to learn about some of the dirtiest cities in the United States.

There are many agencies that rate cities and most judge on similar (although not identical) bases. A dirty city is typically one that ranks high for garbage in and around the city. It is likely to have poor air quality do to pollution from traffic or industry. Typically the water is not safe (or recommended) for consumption.

Reasons why cities rank high on the lists can vary. For many of them it is simply a matter of numbers. The more people that are pushed into a small space then the less clean that space is going to come. But this is not the only reason. Lack of programs or regulations can also have a large part in the dirtiness of a city.

Here are some of the top "winners." These cities made an appearance on all of the major lists available to the general public.

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania makes the top five of all the lists reviewed. It received low marks for everything except chemical dumping or toxic waste.

Birmingham, Alabama is probably the top small dirty city in the country. It has very poor air quality due largely to industrial development.

Long Beach/Los Angeles, California made the very top of two of the lists but it faired a bit better in the others. Air pollutions and hazardous waste are the two main problems for this California city.

Atlanta, Georgia just made the lists. Industry was the leading factory for bringing it down.

Cleveland, Ohio fell just below Atlanta on all but one report. Once again it is the air quality that pulled this city to a winning position.

There is much that goes into determining the health of a city. You might want to review this and other lists before finalizing your next trip.