Kiera Jefferson
Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state, and while it has made some progress in reducing pollution, it still has a long way to go. The state's air quality is impacted by various factors, including industrial pollutants, car emissions, and outdated coal plants, which contribute to high levels of nitrogen dioxide, methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants have significant health implications, particularly for children, and can also damage Indiana's natural landscapes and resources, including its crops and livestock. While Indiana has implemented initiatives to improve air quality, such as Knozone Action Days in Indianapolis, the state continues to face challenges in reducing pollution and improving its environmental reputation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 6.7 million in 2019 |
| Waterways issues | sediment runoff, excess nutrients, infectious bacteria such as E. coli |
| Water quality challenges | nutrient pollution, manure runoff, excess sediment, inadequate sewage treatment, industrial contamination, loss of wetlands |
| Drinking water utilities with poor-quality source water | 80% |
| Water quality's most prevalent challenge | high levels of E. coli |
| Main sources of E. coli | livestock operations and inadequate treatment of human sewage |
| Discharge permits | far from the Clean Water Act's objective of eliminating pollution discharges |
| Air pollution | ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) |
| Indianapolis's rank for particle pollution nationally | 53rd out of 1517 cities |
| Indianapolis's rank in Indiana for ozone pollution | 19th |
| Indianapolis's rank in Indiana for 24-hour particulate matter | 45th |
| Indiana city with the cleanest air at the start of 2021 | Evansville with a US AQI reading of 1 |
| Indiana city with the dirtiest air at the start of 2021 | Bloomington with a US AQI reading of 148 |
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What You'll Learn
Indiana's air pollution
Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state, and while some measures indicate that the state's air quality is improving, others suggest that it is worsening. Indiana's air quality is influenced by various factors, including industrial pollutants, vehicle emissions, and outdated coal plants.
In 2019, Indiana's population was estimated to be 6.7 million, ranking it as the 17th most populous state. Between 1970 and 2018, vehicle miles travelled increased by 191%, energy consumption increased by 49%, and the population grew by 60%. During this period, emissions of the six principal air pollutants decreased by 74%more aware of the dangers of air pollution and are actively addressing the issue.
However, Indiana still faces significant air quality challenges. In 2018, reported ozone days in Columbus increased from 111 in 2015 to 242, and the Elkhart-Goshen area saw a rise from 96 days to 194 days in the same period. Indianapolis also experienced a jump in yearly ozone days from 122 in 2015 to 145 in 2018.
The state's capital, Indianapolis, is a significant contributor to air pollution in Indiana. Vehicle emissions, fuel combustion, industrial processes, and fires all contribute to the city's levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are necessary for ozone formation. Vehicle emissions alone account for 60-70% of nitrogen dioxide levels in the county.
The poor air quality in Indiana has been linked to adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, cancers, lung disease, neurological problems, and heart disease. It also affects the state's natural landscapes and resources, reducing biodiversity, damaging forests and soil, and contributing to desertification.
To address these issues, Indiana has implemented initiatives such as Knozone Action Days in Indianapolis to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants and promote actions to improve air quality. Additionally, Indiana Conservation Voters (ICV) advocates for clean energy solutions and policies that prioritize sustainable energy sources over fossil fuels.
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The impact on children
Indiana's air quality is influenced by factors such as industrial pollutants, vehicle emissions, and outdated coal plants. While the state has made strides in reducing emissions, certain areas continue to grapple with elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide, methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Indiana's capital and largest city, Indianapolis, has been particularly affected by air pollution.
Children are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution due to several factors. Firstly, children tend to breathe more air relative to their body weight and lung size, and they spend more time playing outdoors, resulting in higher respiratory rates and increased exposure to pollutants. Secondly, their developing bodies are more susceptible to irritations and diseases, making them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. Additionally, their shorter height places them closer to the ground, where certain pollutants can reach peak concentrations. This is especially concerning for young children in pushchairs, as they are often at the same height as vehicle fumes.
The consequences of air pollution exposure can be severe for children in Indiana. Poor air quality has been linked to respiratory issues, including asthma, deficits in lung function and growth, and acute lower respiratory infections. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 600,000 children worldwide died from respiratory infections caused by polluted air. Air pollution has also been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Furthermore, air pollution can impact children's neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that exposure to polluted air can lead to lower cognitive test scores and negative effects on mental and motor development. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution may also face an increased risk of developing chronic diseases later in life, such as cardiovascular disease.
To protect children in Indiana from the harmful effects of air pollution, it is crucial to raise awareness about air quality issues and promote initiatives that advocate for clean air. This includes supporting policies that prioritize sustainable energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, over fossil fuels. By addressing air pollution and implementing health-wise policy measures, we can help ensure that Indiana's children have the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential in a healthier environment.
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Water quality
Indiana's waterways face several challenges that affect water quality. The state's water resources are primarily threatened by sediment runoff, excess nutrients, and infectious bacteria. For instance, E. coli bacteria from animal and human feces are commonly found in Indiana's lakes and rivers. This contamination is attributed to livestock operations and the inadequate treatment of human sewage.
Indiana's industrial history has also left a legacy of contaminated sites and groundwater. Smaller businesses, such as dry cleaners and gas stations, have been identified as significant contributors to groundwater pollution. The state's water quality is further compromised by nutrient pollution, manure runoff, excess sediment, inadequate sewage treatment, industrial contamination, and the loss of wetlands.
The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) is actively working to address these issues and protect Indiana's water resources. They have identified the greatest threats to the state's drinking water, rivers, and lakes, and are advocating for a transition to a sustainable energy economy, modernizing transportation, preserving open spaces, promoting sustainable farming practices, and protecting public health.
Additionally, Indiana has implemented initiatives to improve water quality. For example, under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the state developed a Domestic Action Plan to reduce phosphorus levels in Lake Erie by addressing the issue in the Maumee River. However, some aspects of the Clean Water Act, such as discharge permits, require more effective implementation and enforcement to achieve the goal of eliminating pollution discharges.
While Indiana faces challenges in ensuring clean water, there are ongoing efforts by organizations like HEC and the state government to address these issues and protect the state's water resources, public health, and natural environment.
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Natural landscapes
Indiana's natural landscapes are diverse, ranging from canyons and caves to waterfalls and wildlife. The state's first state park, McCormick's Creek State Park, boasts canyons, a waterfall, a cave, and natural bridges. Spring Mill State Park offers a unique link between nature and culture, with 20 historic buildings and breathtaking caves. Indiana's natural wonders also include the sandstone 'Jug Rock', the largest tea-table rock formation east of the Mississippi River, and Cataract Falls, the state's best waterfall.
However, Indiana's natural landscapes are under threat from air pollution, which reduces biodiversity, damages forests and soil, and contributes to desertification. Industrial pollutants, car emissions, and outdated coal plants all contribute to poor air quality. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common pollutants in the state, affecting the health of Hoosiers and the environment.
Indiana's economy is closely tied to its natural resources, so pollution has a significant impact. It contaminates water sources, harms crops and livestock, and affects labour and healthcare costs. To address this, Indiana Conservation Voters (ICV) advocates for clean energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, and raises awareness about air quality issues.
The state is taking steps to improve air quality, with initiatives like the Knozone Action Days in Indianapolis, which aim to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) also forewarns the public about potential ozone action days to mitigate health risks.
Overall, while Indiana's natural landscapes are currently at risk due to pollution, there are efforts in place to protect and preserve them for the future.
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Efforts to improve air quality
Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state. The state's economy and natural landscapes are closely tied to its natural resources, and poor air quality has adverse effects on both. Indiana's air pollution is caused by a combination of industrial pollutants, car emissions, and outdated coal plants.
Government Initiatives
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) warns the public about potential ozone action days, which are when ozone levels are expected to reach unhealthy levels. The city of Indianapolis has also introduced Knozone Action Days to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants and what they can do to improve air quality.
Since 2017, Indiana has introduced measures to improve its commitment to cleaner air, including cancelling the requirement for oil and gas producers to report methane emissions and changing the rules on how refineries monitor air pollution. However, some of these changes have been criticized for reducing regulations on pollution.
Clean Energy
Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is another way to reduce pollution in Indiana. Organizations like Indiana Conservation Voters (ICV) advocate for policies that prioritize sustainable energy solutions over fossil fuels.
Air Quality Monitoring
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to translate complex pollutant concentrations into an easy-to-understand scale that represents the health risk present in the air. Prana Air provides air quality monitoring solutions for various indoor and outdoor spaces, including schools, businesses, and residential areas.
Individual Actions
Individuals can also play a role in improving air quality. For example, becoming a Conservation Champion with ICV helps support initiatives that advocate for clean air and healthy communities. People can also raise awareness about Indiana's air quality issues and follow organizations like ICV on social media to stay informed about ways to get involved in their communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Poor air quality contaminates Indiana's natural resources, causing a weakened economy from adverse health effects that interfere with labour and healthcare costs.
Indiana's air pollution is caused by industrial pollutants, car emissions, and outdated coal plants.
Poor air quality has been associated with cancers, lung disease, neurological issues, heart disease, lower quality of life, and more critical health outcomes. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state. In 2018, Indiana was ranked 48th for quality of life, 46th for its natural environment, 42nd for eco-friendliness, 6th worst for toxic chemical releases, and 46th for air quality.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is responsible for protecting Indiana's air quality. IDEM issues Knozone Action Days to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants and works to eradicate local sources of ozone. Indiana Conservation Voters champions legislation to improve the state's environment and supports clean energy solutions.
