The American Lung Association released a report Wednesday that says much of the air in Brooklyn is polluted.

The ALA's annual "State of the Air" report gave Kings County a "D" in short-term particle pollution, which means there is a combination of ash, soot and diesel exhaust present in the air. According to the ALA, pollution in the air can cause health problems, such as asthma, in residents.

The ALA says it uses information gleaned during its research to lobby for environmental laws around the city and the nation. In order to minimize health risks, the ALA recommends turning off cars while waiting, avoiding exercising on heavily trafficked roads and not smoking indoors.