Chasing Clean Air

Ask Donna: Oregon vs. Southern California

Hi Donna,

I moved to Portland this year partly due to health concerns living in LOS ANGELES for many years (West LA, within 2 miles of the ocean).

But I have actually developed bad allergies living here that really affect my daily quality of life ( I don' t like to use meds)  and my beloved pet cat's mild asthma is worse than ever here in SW Portland. That combined with the grey skies makes me want to return to California.

I never felt the air was that bad in Santa Monica or Malibu by the beach, but maybe I'm fooling myself.

Are there any parts of LA County or Orange County that are relatively unafffected by air pollution?

Is it true that SF Valley is very toxic in terms of air quality?

Thank you so much for any help.

Warm regards,

Norah

Ask Donna: Relocated to Portland & Asthma Is Exacerbated: What To Do?

 

Dear Donna,

I moved to Portland last year after 40 years livng in NYC and NJ.

I've been an asthma sufferer for most of my life, but it seems worse in S.W. Portland(zip: 97205) which surprises me because I had thought that the air quality would be much improved after living in Manhattan.

I've been diagnosed with severe allergies to dust mites especially, and also to pollens. I have no pets and have never smoked. I am considering a move to Hawaii because it seems to rank well for air quality, but for family reasons I prefer to stay in Portland. Another question is how far an indoor air purifier will help in my apartment?

I suspect serious problems with dust mites inside. My medications include Symbicort and Singulair and recently a dose of Prednisone.

Any advice that you can offer will be much appreciated.

Best wishes,

Dennis

To read a series of emails Dennis and I exchanged, continue to the final outcome.

Ask Donna: Woman with Multiple Chemical Sensitivies Needs to Know Where It's Safe To Go?

Dear Donna:

Thanks for your website!

I am trying to find the best place to live for good air quality/ ozone, particulate/pesticides -possibly other criteria I don't know about. I can move anywhere.

I suffer with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. I have lived in Santa Monica for almost 7 years and feel I am swimming against the tide here.

I have found a number of sites that have the best clean air cities, but they seem to only include criteria based on particulate and ozone, not pesticides.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I am at the beginning of the process of finding the best place for me to move to and your input will be most appreciated.

Can't figure out how to use you sight to find. Suggestions/instructions?

Thanks,

Lori

To read my answer, continue below...

Ask Donna: Kids Suffering From Metal Contamination, Where Should We Move For Cleaner Air?

Dear Donna,

I am a mom with two kids and both are suffering of heavy metal contamination.

Ask Donna: So Where Are Our Rights To Breathe Clean Air?

Hi Donna,

I am writing for several folks who are looking to breath free. We live in Candler NC, 28715. We have a couple who live in our little valley and they burn all the time. They have burned three times this week since Monday and three times last week. They would have burned more, but it rained. The people I am writing for are older people who live in a mobile home park, who have all kinds of health problems. They range from COPD, breathing problems to cancer survivors. Just like me they want to breath free. We have not been able to get any of the local agencies to help us. We have been told they are within their rights. So where are our rights? 

Ask Donna: Where Do I Find Cleaner Air In California?

 
Donna, 

Every morning I am searching for websites that will answer my questions: 

Where do I find clean air in Marin County; in the Bay Area, in California... to live, to vacation? Which politicians or organizations are truly committed to clean air? Why is there a lack of media attention to clean air? Why is the general public complacent about clean air?