Kiera Jefferson
Indiana has a longstanding reputation as a polluted state. A 2023 report by the American Lung Association ranked Indianapolis as among the top 10 most polluted cities for particle pollution, with Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie ranked 10th for year-round particle pollution. The city's vehicular traffic, manufacturing plants, and power stations have been identified as major contributors to air pollution. Additionally, Indiana has been reported to have the most polluted rivers and streams of any state, with manure runoff from large animal farms being a significant factor. While Indiana faces significant environmental challenges, there are ongoing efforts to improve air and water quality through initiatives such as Carbon Capture and the Clean Water Act.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Indiana's rank in the nation for ozone pollution | 19th |
| Indiana's rank in the nation for 24-hour particulate matter | 45th |
| Indianapolis's rank in the nation for year-round particle pollution | 10th |
| Indianapolis's rank in the nation for ozone pollution | 65th |
| Indiana's rivers and streams rank in the nation | 1st |
| Indiana's lakes and reservoirs rank in the nation | Unfit for drinking water |
| Indiana's Air Quality Index (AQI) | 76 (Moderate) |
| Indiana's AQI in the last 24 hours | 56 (Moderate) to 124 (Poor) |
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What You'll Learn
Indiana's air pollution
Indiana has a long-standing reputation for being a polluted state. While it is not the most polluted country, it does face serious air pollution problems. Indiana ranked 19th in the US for ozone pollution and 45th for 24-hour particulate matter.
Ozone is a secondary air pollutant formed when primary pollutants react with sunlight. Indiana's ozone levels have been increasing, with Columbus experiencing 111 ozone days in 2015, rising to 242 in 2018. Indianapolis also saw an increase, from 122 ozone days in 2015 to 145 in 2018.
The main sources of Indiana's ozone precursor pollutants, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are vehicle emissions, fuel combustion, industrial processes, and fires. Vehicle emissions alone account for 60-70% of the county's nitrogen dioxide levels. Indiana's reliance on private cars has also led to a poor public transportation system. Additionally, large coal-fired power stations in the southwest pollute the state, and easterly winds carry this pollution beyond Indiana's borders.
The state has taken some steps to address air pollution. For instance, Indianapolis holds Knozone Action Days to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants and ways to improve air quality. Indiana has also explored "Carbon Capture," where producers of carbon dioxide can purchase certificates representing one ton of carbon dioxide. However, some of Indiana's recent policy changes may hinder progress, such as cancelling the requirement for oil and gas producers to report methane emissions and exempting authorities from monitoring vehicle exhaust fumes on federal roads.
The effects of air pollution on health are significant. Ozone pollution can cause asthma attacks and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Particle pollution, a mix of solid and liquid droplets from sources like burning stoves or smokestacks, can lead to lung cancer and worsen lung conditions. According to the American Lung Association, people in Marion County may experience new or worsening lung issues due to poor air quality. Sensitive groups in Indianapolis may experience symptoms like difficulty breathing and throat irritation on days with high pollution levels.
To address air pollution, Indiana needs to improve its public transportation system and encourage residents to use alternative modes of transport like biking or walking. Local governments can also play a role by investing in zero-emission fleet vehicles.
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Vehicle emissions
Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state. Most residents depend on their private cars, which has resulted in a poor public transportation system. Vehicle emissions are responsible for 60 to 70 percent of the nitrogen dioxide levels in the county. Indiana's vehicular traffic also contributes to high ozone levels in the area.
The Clean Air Car Check program identifies vehicles that emit harmful pollutants. Once these vehicles are repaired, their performance and fuel economy are improved, as is the air quality. Vehicle emissions testing is mandatory for vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties that were manufactured after 1975 and have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 9,000 pounds or less. Vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years are tested during odd-numbered years, and vice versa. Antique vehicles and those from the four latest model years are exempt from testing.
Electric vehicles and those fuelled by diesel, propane, natural gas, CNG, or electricity are exempt from emissions testing in Indiana. However, gasoline hybrids must undergo an emissions test. Alternative fuel vehicles must present themselves at a Clean Air Car Check station during their model-year-based emissions testing cycle to receive an exemption.
Motorists whose vehicles are located more than 300 miles from an Indiana Clean Air Car Check emissions testing station can apply for an Out-of-State Extension, allowing them to register their vehicle without travelling back to Indiana for a test. A temporary permit can be purchased onsite if a vehicle does not pass the test and requires additional time for repairs.
Indiana ranked 19th in the nation for ozone pollution and 45th for 24-hour particulate matter ranking. Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie was ranked the 10th most polluted city for year-round particle pollution in the 2023 "State of the Air" report by the American Lung Association. The report also showed that out of nearly 120 million people living in areas with unhealthy air quality, people of colour were disproportionately affected at a rate of 54 percent, or about 64 million people across the nation.
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Poor public transport
Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state. While there are several factors contributing to this, one of the main reasons is the state's poor public transport system. Most residents of Indiana depend on their private cars, which has led to the public transport system being historically under-used and underfunded.
The state's reliance on cars has resulted in high vehicular traffic and high ozone levels. In addition to ozone, vehicle emissions contribute to the presence of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. These emissions are responsible for between 60 to 70 per cent of the county's nitrogen dioxide levels.
The American Lung Association has reported that Indianapolis is one of the worst cities in the country for particle pollution. Particle pollution refers to a mix of solid and liquid droplets in the air, which are harmful when breathed in. This pollution comes from burning stoves, smokestacks, and factories. The report also highlights that people of colour are disproportionately affected by the poor air quality, as highways tend to run through traditionally African American neighbourhoods.
To improve air quality, Indiana needs to develop a better public transportation system. Local governments can purchase zero-emission fleet vehicles, and schools can adopt electric school buses. Additionally, the state can encourage residents to use public transportation, bike, or walk rather than drive cars.
While Indiana's public transport system is lacking, there are some options available. Indianapolis has a public bus system, including bus rapid transit, microtransit, and paratransit services. The city also offers ride-hailing services, electric scooters, and electric cars for rent. For those flying into the state, the Indianapolis International Airport provides easy access to public transportation to downtown and other areas.
In conclusion, Indiana's poor public transport system is a significant contributor to the state's pollution levels. To improve air quality and reduce pollution, Indiana needs to invest in and prioritise the development of a better public transportation system.
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Water pollution
Indiana has a long-standing reputation for being a polluted state. While most of the discussion around pollution in the state focuses on air quality, water pollution is also a significant issue.
A 2024 study revealed the presence of microplastics in Indiana's rivers. The study analysed nine Indiana watersheds, representing a range of dominant land uses, including agricultural, urban, and forested areas. The results showed measurable quantities of microplastics in samples from all watersheds, with fibres being the most common form. The study also found that rivers have a distinct microplastic "signature" compared to large lakes, likely due to the unique characteristics of flowing water ecosystems.
The presence of microplastics in Indiana's rivers has significant implications for aquatic life and the environment. Microplastics can have toxic effects on marine organisms, and their persistence in the water can lead to bioaccumulation in the food chain. This, in turn, can have indirect effects on human health, as people may be exposed to these harmful substances through the consumption of contaminated fish or other aquatic organisms.
In addition to microplastics, Indiana's water resources also face pollution from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals." PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in various consumer products, and they are highly resistant to degradation. Recent findings have identified PFAS pollution in all five of the Great Lakes, which are a major source of freshwater for both the US and Canada. The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are well-documented and include cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and developmental problems in children.
Addressing water pollution in Indiana requires a multifaceted approach. It involves implementing policies and regulations to reduce the release of pollutants into water bodies, promoting sustainable alternatives to plastic usage, and investing in research to better understand the sources and impacts of water pollution. By taking a comprehensive approach that involves government, industries, and communities, Indiana can work towards mitigating water pollution and protecting its precious water resources.
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Health implications
Indiana has a longstanding reputation as a polluted state. The state's industry-heavy workforce and vehicle emissions contribute to high levels of ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). These pollutants have several health implications for Indiana's residents.
Ozone, a secondary air pollutant, is formed when primary pollutants react with sunlight. Ozone smog can cause and exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma attacks and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Additionally, toxic air pollutants, including those from vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and the oil and gas industry, can cause cancer and other diseases.
Particulate matter, which includes solid and liquid droplets in the air from burning stoves or smokestacks, is harmful to breathe and can lead to lung issues. High levels of particle pollution can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and worsen conditions like asthma and COPD. It can also contribute to lung cancer.
Metal pollution, specifically Cr, Mn, and Zn, has been found in road sediment in Gary, Indiana, with Mn hazard index (HI) values suggesting a possible long-term non-carcinogenic health risk, especially for children.
The impact of air pollution on health is serious and far-reaching. Indiana's air pollution disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, as minorities are often clustered in major cities and near highways, exposing them to higher levels of combustion from engines. Climate change also exacerbates the problem by increasing the risk of wildfires, which produce dangerous particle pollution.
To protect residents' health, Indiana has implemented measures such as Knozone Action Days in Indianapolis, which aim to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants and encourage actions to improve air quality. Additionally, the state has passed legislation to enable carbon trading and carbon capture initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Indiana is a state in the United States of America, not a country. However, Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state.
Indiana has been described as having "bad air quality". In 2025, Indiana's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 76, which is considered "moderate". The state has also been described as having the most polluted rivers and streams of any state.
Indiana's air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions, fuel combustion, industrial processes, and fires. The state's reliance on private cars has also led to a poor public transportation system, which contributes to the high levels of pollution.
Indiana has implemented Knozone Action Days to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants and encourage them to take action to improve air quality. The state is also investing in infrastructure improvements, and there are calls for the adoption of electric vehicles and the development of a better public transportation system.
