SLC ranked 'good place to live' for those with seasonal allergies

SLC ranked 'good place to live' for those with seasonal allergies

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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City residents have it easier than some when it comes to seasonal allergies. On a list of 100 U.S. cities compiled by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America for 2013, Salt Lake City ranked number 92 for allergies related to pollen and other seasonal factors.

The list was compiled using a few key data points. Cities were ranked based on the pollen count, allergy medication usage per patient and number of board certified allergists per patient.

KSL meteorologist Kevin Eubank said he's not surprised by the city's favorable allergy score.

"In state's where you have a longer growing season, things can stay in the air for a longer time," Eubank said. "In Utah, we have much more volatile temperatures and as a result, pollen from plants and flowers don't have as long to stay airborne."

Utah's dry climate also helps keep people off allergy medication.

"In a more humid climate, pollen actually stays in the air longer," Eubank said. "In Utah, the dry weather helps damper the movement of pollen and other particles."

Top 10 worst U.S. cities for seasonal allergies
  • #1: Wichita, KS
  • #2: Jackson, MS
  • #3: Knoxville, TN
  • #4: Louisville, KY
  • #5: Memphis, TN
  • #6: McAllen, TX
  • #7: Baton Rouge, LA
  • #8: Dayton, OH
  • #9: Chattanooga, TN
  • #10: Oklahoma City, OK

Wichita, Kansas ranked number one for the worst cities with seasonal allergies, according to the study. High ragweed levels and intense humidity keep a lot of people in the south and midwest sneezing during the spring and summer months. Out of the top 10 worst cities for allergies, four were listed in Tennessee.

Salt Lake City crept up the list when it came to asthma levels. On a list of 100 of the worst citiesto live in with asthma, Salt Lake City ranked number 65.

Eubank said the winter inversion contributes highly to asthma levels around the Wasatch Front. According to the list, Salt Lake City ranks worse than average for the crude death rate from asthma and for overall air quality.

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Robynn Garfield

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