Industrial Air Pollution: Michigan Vs. Ohio

Michigan and Ohio are two states in the US that have historically been centres of industry. Michigan, for example, is known as the centre of the US automotive industry, with the country's three major automobile companies headquartered in Metro Detroit. Similarly, Ohio is home to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, steel production, and energy. Given the industrial presence in both states, it is worth examining the levels of air pollution in each and comparing them to determine which state has higher levels of industrial air pollution. This comparison will provide insights into the environmental and health impacts of industrial activities in Michigan and Ohio.

Detroit's air quality

Detroit, Michigan's largest city, is widely known as the centre of the US automotive industry. The city's climate is influenced by the Great Lakes, featuring cold winters and warm or hot summers.

Detroit is often ranked among the most polluted cities in Michigan, with the southwest section of the city being the most polluted region. This is due to the dense concentration of heavy industry, including coal-fired power plants, and transportation corridors in the area. These daily emissions have prevented Detroit's air quality from reaching healthier levels. In 2020, the Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor area ranked 34th out of 228 metropolitan areas for high ozone days, and 10th out of 203 for annual particle pollution. This ranking indicates that Detroit's annual particle pollution is in the top 5% of all the cities measured.

The effects of air pollution on health are well-documented. Ozone and particle pollution are linked to an increased risk of premature birth and lower birth weight in newborns. Particle pollution can cause early death and heart attacks, strokes, and emergency room visits. Air pollution can also trigger asthma attacks and harm lung development in children. In southwest Detroit and the surrounding areas, asthma hospitalisation rates are nearly triple the state average, and cancer rates are also much higher than average.

Michigan's industrial areas

Michigan is widely known as the centre of the US automotive industry, with the headquarters of the country's three major automobile companies located in Metro Detroit. The state's automotive sector has paved the way for a thriving manufacturing ecosystem that extends beyond cars. Michigan is also a leader in the healthcare industry, with renowned medical centres, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. The state's technology sector has been rapidly expanding, attracting both startups and established companies. In addition, Michigan's financial services industry is pivotal to its economic growth and stability, with a diverse range of banks, credit unions, investment firms, and insurance companies.

The state also has a strong defence and aerospace sector, with over 4,000 companies and organisations involved in development, manufacturing, and cyber technology. Michigan is also making strides in clean energy, aiming for economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. The state is expected to dominate US EV battery manufacturing by 2030. Michigan's life science jobs pay well above the state average, with companies like Pfizer and Stryker headquartered there.

However, Michigan's diverse and thriving industries have also contributed to air pollution, particularly in industrial areas. Southwest Detroit, for example, has over 150 sites that release pollutants, including dangerous chemicals and particles such as PM2.5, sulphur dioxide, and nitrous oxide. This has led to health issues for residents, with asthma hospitalisation rates and cancer rates significantly higher than the state average. Wayne County, one of Michigan's most industrialised regions, faces air quality challenges due to high traffic and numerous industrial facilities emitting pollutants.

Other counties in Michigan, such as Lenawee and Allegan, also struggle with air quality due to local industries and pollution from nearby urban areas. The American Lung Association gave the state an "F" for air quality in its 2024 report, highlighting the need for improved air quality in the state.

Michigan's schools and air pollution

Michigan is widely known as the centre of the US automotive industry, with the country's three major automobile companies headquartered in Metro Detroit. As most pollution comes from vehicle emissions and industrial discharges, Detroit has been identified as a major contributor to Michigan's air pollution.

In 2024, Michigan was ranked 7th among states with the most counties with poor overall air quality. Wayne County, one of Michigan's most industrialised regions, faces significant air quality challenges due to high traffic and numerous industrial facilities emitting pollutants. The Ford Motor Company Rouge Complex in Dearborn is a major source of particulate matter pollution in Wayne County.

Southwest Detroit, in particular, has over 150 sites that release harmful chemicals and particles, including PM2.5, sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and ozone. The Marathon Oil Company, located in this area, has been fined for exceeding state and national emission limits. The health consequences of air pollution are significant, with asthma hospitalisation rates and cancer rates in southwest Detroit and the surrounding areas being much higher than the state average.

The impact of air pollution on schools and students in Michigan is a growing concern. A study by the University of Michigan researchers found that over 60% of all public schools are located in areas with very high levels of air pollution. Schools in areas with the highest industrial air pollution levels had the lowest attendance rates and the highest proportions of students failing to meet state educational testing standards. The study also revealed that minority students, particularly African American and Hispanic students, are disproportionately affected by air pollution, with a higher percentage of them attending schools in the most polluted zones.

To address these issues, researchers and advocates have suggested that Michigan and other states require an environmental-quality analysis when selecting sites for new schools. Additionally, reducing traffic and vehicle emissions, as well as enforcing compliance with renewable operating permits and air quality regulations, can help improve air quality near schools.

Michigan's health issues

Southwest Detroit, in particular, has over 150 sites that release pollutants, and residents of this area have to contend with emissions from nearby factories, automobile and truck traffic, and power plants. The Ford Motor Company Rouge Complex in Dearborn is a major source of particulate matter pollution in Wayne County, which recorded 15 "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" days in 2023. Other counties with poor air quality include Lenawee, Allegan, and Washtenaw, which are affected by local industries, agriculture, and regional pollution from nearby urban areas.

The health consequences of air pollution are significant. Particle pollution has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, early death, heart attacks, strokes, and emergency room visits. Ozone pollution, or smog, irritates the lungs and can cause inflammation and other damage to multiple body systems. It is also linked to an increased risk of premature birth and lower birth weight in newborns. Vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and people with lung diseases, are especially at risk. In southwest Detroit, asthma hospitalisation rates are nearly triple the state average, and cancer rates are also much higher than average.

In addition to air pollution, Michigan faces other health challenges. The state relies heavily on Medicaid payments to sustain operations and maintain its healthcare workforce. Cuts to Medicaid funding would result in a significant budget shortfall and negatively impact patients, providers, and communities. There are also challenges in behavioural health transport services, with efforts being made to implement and fund dedicated behavioural health transportation services at hospitals across the state. Furthermore, the high cost of prescription drugs is a concern, with the average cost of a new medication exceeding $300,000.

Michigan's air quality monitoring

The Air Quality Division (AQD) plays a pivotal role in Michigan's air quality monitoring and management. The AQD is dedicated to maintaining clean air and minimising adverse impacts on public health and the environment. They achieve this through various programs and initiatives that evaluate, measure, permit, monitor, regulate, and inspect sources of air emissions. The AQD strives to serve diverse stakeholders through outreach and continuous improvement.

To facilitate effective monitoring, Michigan utilises an ambient air monitoring network. This network provides real-time pollutant monitoring data, which is crucial for ensuring healthy air quality in communities. The data collected is used to demonstrate compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and assist in developing strategies to combat air pollution.

Additionally, Michigan has expanded its air sensor technology market, making lower-cost portable sensors accessible to citizens. These sensors empower individuals to gather information about the air quality in their immediate surroundings, fostering greater awareness and engagement in addressing local air quality concerns.

Despite these efforts, Michigan faces significant air quality challenges, particularly in specific counties. For instance, Wayne County, one of Michigan's most industrialised regions, struggles with high traffic and numerous industrial facilities emitting pollutants. Similarly, Lenawee County, while not heavily industrialised, is affected by agricultural practices, local industries, and regional pollution from nearby urban areas.

Overall, Michigan's air quality monitoring efforts provide valuable data and insights that guide strategies to improve air quality. However, the state continues to grapple with industrial and vehicular emissions, agricultural contributions, and cross-border pollution, underscoring the ongoing need for comprehensive air quality management.

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