Hot temperatures and a continued lack of rain have led to an increased number of days of unhealthy ozone levels in the skies over the Upstate. But Atlanta, Charlotte, Knoxville, Greensboro, and Chattanooga are all among the 25 cities with the nation's worst ozone pollution, according to the lung association.
More development leads to more people and more cars pumping nitrous oxide into the air.
That can lead to unhealthy levels of ozone, Charping said. DHEC says simple things like carpooling can be the best way for Upstate residents to cut down on pollution. Otherwise, pollution may not be the region's only problem. News 4 reports. Click here to read the lung association's report on Upstate air quality.