Air quality 'not good enough' in Indiana

The air of all 13 counties of the US state of Indiana has been declared as having higher than recommended levels of pollutants, it has been reported.

After conducting tests in light of new soot-restricting regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency added all Indiana's counties to its list of those with above-average levels of lung-damaging particles, reported IndyStar.com.

A total of 211 counties over 25 states featured on the list and those that appear on further drafts will face pressure to cut pollution levels, the publication highlighted.

Spokesman for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management Rob Elstro said the state has been given until late February to submit this year's data on air quality.

He added that businesses which emit high levels of soot could be affected.

"It could mean they would have to upgrade equipment or even shut down parts of the facility," he furthered.

Last week, US company Exxon Mobil was ordered to pay $6.1 million (£4 million) after failing to adhere to pollution regulations.