United States cities air quality list [Video]

HOUSTON — Houston’s claim to fame as the Energy Capital of the World is landing Space City on a list many aren’t too thrilled to be on.

“Where you live work or play shouldn’t really affect your health,” said Anthony D’Souza, a Research and Policy Coordinator with Air Alliance Houston.

According to a newly released Smart Survey report, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas, only had 38 good air quality days last year landing it at No. 2 for the worst air quality in the country.

“A lot of it has to do with the industrial presence in the city,” D’Souza said.

Experts said several factors are at play for the country’s fourth-largest city, from petrochemical plants to an expansive transportation demand.

“Having that many people relying on cars to get places, you’re going to …