Fairbanks now number one in particle pollution

As the coldest city in the country, Fairbanks now claims another number one title.

But as Sara Tewksbury reports - it's not one the borough is proud of.

Mayor Karl Kassel; Fairbanks North Star Borough>>: "It doesn't make me feel good at all. That's not the place we want to be."

Sara Tewksbury; Reporting>>: Earlier this week the American Lung Association released their "State of the Air" report - naming Fairbanks as the city with the worst particle pollution in the country.

Rick Hinkey; Fairbanks Manager>>: "Whether it's asthma, childhood asthma, adult asthma, COPD, they have all of these struggles, it impacts them greatly."

Sara Tewksbury; Reporting>>: Fairbanks manager Rick Hinkey says there are about 10-thousand people in the borough suffering from these lung related issues.

And according to borough mayor karl Kassel - the people have had enough.

Mayor Karl Kassel; Fairbanks North Star Borough>>: "There's a huge percent of the population that is saying wait a second, I've got to breathe the air here. This isnt good for my children, this isn't good for me, we need to get this under control, and we do. I agree with that."

Sara Tewksbury; Reporting>>: While the mayor says talks are underway...

Mayor Karl Kassel; Fairbanks North Star Borough>>: "The next step is to have the stakeholders group and get the community engaged."

Sara Tewksbury; Reporting>>: For now....it's a problem with no solution.

Sara Tewksbury reporting.