Santa Clara County received less than stellar air-pollution ratings in a recently released American Lung Association report. Association officials told the Palo Alto Weekly that, while the county received a “passing grade” for year-round particle-pollution levels, it received a “D” for high ozone levels, and an “F” for short-term particle pollution.

Pollution in the county can be attributed mostly to local vehicles and trucks, although exhaust pollution and ozone gas travels from other areas as well.

The report, “2008 State of the Air,” ranked 700 counties nationwide. In terms of counties most polluted by short-term particle pollution, it ranked Santa Clara 19 out of 25.

Particle pollution can contribute to significant health ailments such as stroke, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.