Tis the time of year for coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes and no I’m not talking about H1N1 flu, I’m referring to seasonal allergies. It’s estimated that 40 million Americans suffer through allergy season and I happen to be one of those unfortunate souls. Below a list of the worst cities according to a new report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.
The 10 Worst U.S. Cities for Allergies:
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Wichita, Kansas
- McAllen, Texas
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Dayton, Ohio
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Augusta, Georgia
I’m surprised to see Madison in the list. Probably because of all the lakes and the way they get all full of algae bloom, etc.
I’ve heard that Lake Superior acts as a giant filter and it’s a good place to live near if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Luckily I don’t but I wonder if that bit of info is true or not. Is there a list of the best cities to live in if you have allergies or asthma?
According to one article I read it said anywhere near breezy lake shores are good places to live for allergy sufferers because those locations do not allow pollen and mold to settle in. If I find best 10 places I’ll add it
I wonder if anyone is studying the reasons for the allergies. Given that there are noticeable difference, it would be interesting to see if it is because of:
1) local plant and fungus types that are more irritating than in other cities
2) airborne pollution due to weather effects and limited plant absorption of pollutants
3) Bylaws and bylaw enforcement with respect to pesticide usage
4) Ethnic commonalities amongst large numbers of the population
At least the information allows people to consider the factors when considering moving.
Dayton?
But it’s great in Dayton. I know … I remember seeing the sign (25 years ago).
Bummer!
I thought Toledo was a bad place for allergies. I figured we’d almost certainly have fewer allergy problems in NC. But NO! We will live in the Winston-Salem area, right between Charlotte and Greensboro, both on your list!
A-a-a-a-a-a-a-choooo!
How do you like that? I would have bet good money that Phoenix, AZ would have topped that list. I used to live in both Greensboro and Charlotte. I would have bet even more money that those cities would be two of the “least” places for allergy sufferers.
It’s a good thing I don’t bet much.
Thanks for the info.
Anyone have info on Savanah or Hilton Head, SC?
Allan Kenyon
The Weather Channel’s website has posted (on their website, http://www.weather.com), a list of the 20 worst cities for allergies, (which are the following:)
1. Lexington, KY
2. Greensboro, NC
3. Johnson City, TN
4. Augusta, GA
5. Jackson, MS
6. Knoxville, TN
7. Birmingham, AL
8. New Orleans, LA
9. Little Rock, AR
10. San Diego, CA
11. Oklahoma City, OK
12. Mobile, AL
13. South Bend, IN
14. Omaha, NE
15. Stockton, CA
16. McAllen, TX
17. Greensboro, SC
18. Nashville, TN
19. Tulsa, OK
20. Harrisburg, PA
To Allan Kenyon:
The Weather Channel’s website also has a page with a U.S. map, where you can click on the state and it will then give you a list of the (plant) allergens for that state.