New York and California residents breathe in the
dirtiest air in the United States and face higher cancer risks than the rest of the country, according to the latest data from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Oregon, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey had the third, fourth and fifth worst air in the nation. Rural residents of Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana have the cleanest air.
What is hanging so toxic in the air? Benzene from cars and trucks that burn gasoline or diesel fuel. Other toxins causing higher risks for cancer where air pollution is the worst are naphthalene and acetaldehyde, also from vehicles, and chromium, from industries.
