El Centr is known for its high unemployment and foreclosure rates. Now it's making another top ten list. The American Lung Association's State of the Air reports places El Centro as number 10 on the list of cities with high ozone levels.

But local officials say ozone levels are actually going down. Brad Poiriez with the Imperial County Air Pollution Control says "we met federal standards of ozone, which is quite an accomplishment in this area."

The biggest threat in the air is actually P.M. 10 -- or particles in the air such as dirt, pollen and pollution from bigger cities. For P.M. 10, Imperial County does not even meet the nation's standards.

Officials say part of the reason is the location as a border community in the desert. Contributing factors to high P.M. levels include pollution that comes in from Mexicali and Los Angeles, dirt roads and dust storms.

All this dust and grime in the air can take a toll -- especially on those with underlying health conditions. Amy Binggeli with the Imperial County Public Health Department says poor air quality can affect "a lot of things." That includes the "cardiovascular system, eye and lung irritation and throat irritation."

And even though bad air quality does not cause asthma, Binggeli says it causes "inflamation of the lungs and chest tightness," therefore aggravating symptoms.

Officials say they have a plan to improve air quality in the Imperial Valley. But in the meantime, residents do not need to worry. It's important to monitor the air quality.