The Lung Institute, a source for pulmonary information for better lung health, including disease prevention and management, commissioned a national study to establish a ranking of lung health across America, over a five-year period. This data analysis factored the following statistics from the last 5 years: the change in smoking rate in each state, as well as the change in pollution level (measured in PM2.5, which is the average daily density of fine particulate matter in micrograms per cubic meter). This ranking determined that Virginia placed in position #1. Virginia was the state with the best lung health improvement over five years, experiencing a 5 percent decreased smoking rate, as well as a decreased volume of air pollution over this time (PM2.5 decreased by 5). Illinoisans emerged as having among the worst lung health in America. They experienced a 1 percent decrease in smoking rates over 5 years, and a decline in PM2.5 (-3.8), placing in #32 position overall. On a local level, citizens of DuPage County have experienced the best changes in lung health over five years, and Hardin the worst. On the other hand, at the opposite end of the rankings, Texas emerged in last place (#50) with the least healthy lung health trend over five years. The Lone Star State had a 1 percent decrease in smoking rates, and a 2.3 decrease in air pollution. For more information on the study, visit www.lunginstitute.com