Israeli asthma sufferers can take a big, deep breath. Maybe now, they can even enjoy it a bit more, as air quality improved in 2005 in many of Israel's largest cities. Improvement in air conditions was recorded in Jerusalem, Beersheba, Afula, Bet Shemesh, Rehovot, Holon, Carmiel, and Modi'in. In Jerusalem, air pollution was measured high or very high on 52 days in 2005, as opposed to 55 days of high or very high pollution in 2004. In the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem metropolitan areas, the majority of air pollution was due to transportation, whereas pollution levels in other cities stem primarily from secondary pollution and dust storms. The Dan area recorded the highest levels of air pollution, similar to last year, but even there, a mild improvement was noted in the annual average levels of nitrous oxide. Modi'in registered the highest levels of airborne particles due to construction and quarrying in the area. The levels in Gush Dan and Modi'in exceed the standards for air quality. The improvement in air quality registered in many places in 2006 was due to a combination of meterological conditions and steps taken by the Environment Ministry, including extensive steps to prevent automotive and industrial pollution. The actions included steps to improve the quality of gasoline, to intensify the emissions regulations at industrial sites, and to introduce automotive technologies designed to lessen pollution. There will also be stronger enforcement against vehicles and factories that pollute. The data was taken from an Environment Ministry air-quality assessment system. How does your city measure up?

Beersheba: Ten days were recorded in 2005 in which the pollution levels were found to be high, as to fifteen such days in 2004.

Afula: Four days were recorded in 2005 in which the pollution levels were found to be high, as opposed to 14 such days in 2004.

Beit Shemesh: Eight days were recorded in 2005 in which the pollution levels were found to be high, as opposed to 14 such days in 2004.

Rehovot: Eight days were recorded in 2005 in which the pollution levels were found to be high, as opposed to 10 such days in 2004.

Holon: Six days were recorded in 2005 in which the pollution levels were found to be high, as opposed to 18 such days in 2004.

Carmiel: Seven days were recorded in 2005 in which the pollution levels were found to be high, as opposed to 16 such days in 2004.

Modi'in: Twenty days were recorded in 2005 in which the pollution levels were found to be high, as opposed to 24 such days in 2004.

Report: Air quality improved in 2005

Despite efforts, Dan area, Modi'in still suffer from sub-standard air quality.