Unfortunately all of that grilling this summer could help lead the city towards the top of another, albeit dubious list. The American Lung Association recently released its list of the cities with the nation’s worst air pollution. The Birmingham-Hoover-Cullman metro area came in at #4 (Los Angeles led the pack, followed by Pittsburgh & Bakersfield, California in their annual State of the Air report based on analyzing long term particle pollution. The metro area ranks sixth when the focus shifts to short term particle pollution.

The results were calculated by studying particle pollution levels. The association states that such levels of pollution can contribute to asthma attacks, heart disease and lung cancer. Despite the ranking, air levels have improved in the area in recent years. Sounds like a potential election year issue (at least after its brought up by the voters).