Alarming number of Cincinnatians find breathing easier during smog alerts.

Growing accustomed to continuous smog alerts, many local residents prefer smog alert conditions and are reporting difficulty breathing during non-smog alert periods. Dr. Matthew Furman says it is possible for human lungs to become dependent on the high level of smog that normally exists in Cincinnati. "This breathing difficulty is likely a withdrawal symptom to smog." Walnut Hills resident Howard Stillman finds non-smog alert conditions to be intolerable. Stillman commented, "During the non-smog alert periods, just the mere mention of a smog alert makes me breath easier. I would prefer if we were in permanent smog alert status." For people who suffer from extreme difficulty during non-smog alert periods, Dr. Furman recommends smoking cigarettes as a temporary measure of relief.