Orlando's Air Quality: A Pollution Concern?

Orlando, Florida, has been described as having very good year-round quality of air with only slight elevations in air pollution. However, in 2023, it was listed as one of the most polluted ozone areas in the country for the sixth year in a row. The city's ozone pollution is caused by emissions from cars, trucks, and boats, which account for more than 60% of its air pollution. Orlando's particle pollution is caused by industrial power plants, factory smokestacks, and vehicle tire wear, which releases microscopic rubber particles into the atmosphere. Despite these issues, the air quality in Orlando is generally considered acceptable for most individuals, and the city has taken steps to improve its air quality.

Orlando's air quality is good, but there is room for improvement

However, Orlando has also been listed as one of the most polluted ozone areas in the country for several years running. In 2023, it was ranked 65th on the most polluted ozone list, down from 67th in 2022. While there has been some improvement in the metropolitan area, year-round particle pollution has worsened for seven consecutive years. This is largely due to man-made emissions from industrial power plants, vehicles, and other sources.

The quality of the air we breathe has a direct impact on our health, especially that of children. Particle pollution can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and an increased risk of respiratory infections. It can also exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, communities of color are disproportionately affected by unhealthy air and are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions that increase their vulnerability to air pollution.

To improve Orlando's air quality, individuals can make transportation choices that reduce emissions, such as walking, ride-sharing, or using public transportation. Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles or appliances can also help, as can advocating for policies that support clean energy and air quality improvements. Organizations like MetroPlan Orlando are working to create plans that include transportation options to help reduce air pollution. With collective efforts, Orlando can maintain its good air quality while striving for even better results.

Ozone pollution is trending positively, but it's a concern

Orlando, Florida, has been found to have good air quality, with only slight elevations in air pollution. However, ozone pollution is a concern, and it is important to monitor levels of this pollutant.

Ozone is a gas molecule, and in the upper atmosphere, it is beneficial, shielding us from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. However, ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant. It is created when nitrogen oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) mix with heat and sunlight. Exhaust from motor vehicles is one of the highest contributors to ozone levels. Other sources include factories, power plants, and other industrial sites.

Ozone pollution can have serious health impacts. It can attack lung tissue, impact the immune system, and affect the respiratory system both in the short and long term. Even short-term exposure can cause respiratory issues, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and an increased risk of respiratory infections. For those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ozone pollution can be particularly harmful and may lead to hospitalisation.

While Orlando's overall air quality is good, ozone levels are a concern. According to the American Lung Association's (ALA) 2024 report, Orlando and the Central Florida area had improved, with the metro area ranked among the cleanest in the US for ozone pollution. This is a positive trend, as the previous year, it had a "C" grade. However, the report also highlights that there is still work to be done, as ozone pollution can be difficult to clean up due to climate change.

Transportation choices can improve air quality

Orlando, Florida, generally maintains good air quality throughout the year, with only slight elevations in air pollution. The main sources of air pollution in Orlando are vehicle tyre tread wear, industrial sites, and power plants. While Orlando's air quality is considered safe for most people, sensitive groups may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure.

Transportation choices play a crucial role in improving air quality. Here are some ways transportation can positively impact the air we breathe:

• Public Transportation: Offering efficient and affordable public transportation options, such as buses, trains, and trams, can significantly reduce air pollution. These systems have a lower per capita emission rate compared to private cars, helping to decrease congestion and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Additionally, investing in modern, electric, or hybrid fleets can further minimize pollution from public transportation networks.
• Traffic Management: Implementing measures such as closing streets to private traffic and reorganizing bus routes can effectively improve air quality. Restricting traffic to encourage the use of public transportation has been shown to reduce black carbon concentrations. For example, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, a restriction on private traffic led to a 72% reduction in local black carbon levels.
• Sustainable Practices: Adopting low-emission and electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for reducing the carbon footprint of the transport sector. Transitioning from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric or hybrid alternatives can drastically cut emissions. Additionally, improving the efficiency of public transportation networks and transitioning to cleaner fuels and technologies are crucial steps toward reducing emissions from traditional transport systems.
• Active Transportation: Providing safe and convenient infrastructure for cycling and walking encourages individuals to choose these environmentally friendly transportation modes. Developing dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian zones not only reduces traffic congestion and pollution but also promotes physical health and well-being.
• Data-Driven Solutions: Utilizing smart technology and air quality monitoring systems, such as Kunak AIR, can help local authorities and urban planners understand how transport-related emissions affect air quality in different zones. This data-driven approach enables the implementation of targeted solutions to improve urban air quality and reduce pollution from various sources, including ships, trucks, and traffic emissions.

By making thoughtful transportation choices and adopting sustainable practices, we can significantly improve air quality, mitigate climate change, and enhance public health.

Industrial power plants are a major source of air pollution

Orlando, Florida, generally has good air quality. However, like any urban area, it is not immune to air pollution. Industrial power plants are a major source of air pollution, not just in Orlando but across the globe.

Power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal, gas, oil, and biomass, emit a long list of harmful pollutants. These emissions include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and mercury, as well as hazardous pollutants that can cause cancer and other health issues. The burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation remains the nation's largest industrial source of carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to climate change. In addition, the mining and extraction of these fuels can harm nearby communities and workers.

Coal-based power plants are the biggest source of air pollution in the power sector. During 2010, thermal power plants worldwide generated about 54% of total sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, 26.6% of total nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and 6.5% of total particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. In 2018, coal-based power plants contributed to about 38.4% of the total power generated globally, releasing large amounts of NOx, SO2, carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and PM2.5.

Oil and gas exploration, drilling, transportation, and storage can also create significant local air pollution issues. For example, diesel locomotives used to transport coal emit pollutants, and oil and gas can leak from pipelines and storage facilities, contributing to climate change and driving health harms. Nuclear power plants, while not burning fossil fuels, also contribute to air pollution through uranium mining, which has been linked to increased lung cancer risks for miners.

Transitioning to clean, renewable, and non-combustion sources of electricity, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power, is critical for improving air quality and reducing health risks associated with air pollution.

Orlando's air pollution is worse than the rest of Central Florida

While Central Florida has received an “A” grade for clean air, Orlando has work to do to improve its air quality. The American Lung Association's 2024 report found that Orlando still had unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone air pollution and year-round particle pollution. The report also highlighted the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of color, with people of color being more than twice as likely as white individuals to live in areas with failing grades on pollution measures.

Orlando's air pollution is measured through the Air Quality Index (AQI), which takes into account various pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3). While the city's AQI readings have shown slight improvements in recent years, it is important for residents to continue taking actions to improve air quality. This includes choosing to walk, ride-share, or use public transportation, limiting electricity and natural gas usage, and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles or appliances.

The quality of the air we breathe has a direct impact on our health, especially the health of children. Ozone and particle pollution can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and an increased risk of respiratory infections. It can also exacerbate existing health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, it is crucial for Orlando to continue addressing its air pollution issues and for residents to take individual actions to contribute to cleaner air.

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