Expert: Steve Summers - 2/23/2009

Question
Hello,
I currently live in Pasadena, and am suffering with problems and allergies due to the pollution.  I lived close to the ocean last year and felt so much better...I am assuming it is due to the ocean air?  I was looking at Toluca Lake and was wondering if it was safe to assume that the air quality would be the same as Pasadena?  I know a family with sensitivity to pollution who lives in Burbank who does not suffer due to an air pass.  I have never heard of this, and was wondering if there is any truth to this.  Any info you could give on these areas and air quality would be beneficial.  Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Jenna,

Toluca Lake is closer to the ocean, and is more subject to ocean breezes than Pasadena. The San Gabriel Valley has more smog in general than the San Fernando Valley. That pretty much explains the difference.

If you check out aqmd.gov on a regular basis, you'll see the difference. In general, the Burbank/Toluca Lake area has less air pollution than Pasadena.

Good luck,