Air quality less of a problem for Californians, poll reveals

The air quality in California is provoking less concern among Californians than previously, a poll has found.

A survey by the Public Policy Institute of California revealed that the percentage of California residents who think smog is a "big problem" has decreased markedly in the last few years, particularly in Los Angeles County and the Central Valley.

Barry Wallerstein, executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, said that the research showed that far more needs to be done to increase public awareness of air quality issues in the area.

"The poll results would likely have been different if the public was more aware that 5,000 Southern Californians are estimated to die each year due to air pollution," he told the LA Times.

However, according to the Air Resources Board, air quality in Southern California, the Central Valley and the state overall has undergone a radical improvement in the last 20 years, despite a growth in inhabitants.

Meanwhile, environmental officials have issued a public health warning in five New York counties due to poor air quality caused by increased ozone levels.

Written by Joseph Hutton