Meghan Hodges
Cleveland, Ohio, has been ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the United States. The city has been assigned a failing grade for high ozone days and particle pollution, with levels exceeding the federal standard. The air quality in Cleveland is of great concern, as it poses significant health risks to residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The primary pollutants of concern are PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and ozone, which have been linked to adverse respiratory and cardiovascular effects. With climate change exacerbating the issue, there is a growing need to address air pollution in Cleveland and improve the health and well-being of its residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 57 (Moderate) |
| PM2.5 concentration | 3.4 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value |
| PM2.5 level | 12µg/m³ |
| PM10 level | 32µg/m³ |
| Ozone levels | Worsened since 2013-2015 |
| Number of days exceeding EPA daily ozone targets between 2017-2019 | 18 |
| Average number of days above 80°F | 66 |
| Average number of days over 90°F | 9 |
| National rank for ozone pollution | 31st |
| National rank for short-term particle pollution | 73rd |
| National rank for year-round particle pollution | 54th |
| National population exposed to unhealthy air pollution | 131 million |
| Cuyahoga County's rank for high ozone days | 31st worst |
| Cuyahoga County's rank for 24-hour particle pollution | 54th worst |
| Cuyahoga County's grade for high ozone days | F |
| Cuyahoga County's grade for 24-hour particle pollution | C |
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What You'll Learn
Cleveland's ozone levels have worsened since 2013-2015
Cleveland's air quality has been a significant cause for concern, with the city ranking among the worst performers in the country for air pollution. While there have been improvements over the years, the metropolitan area still grapples with high levels of particulate pollution and ozone, which adversely affect residents' health.
Ozone is a noxious gas pollutant formed in the atmosphere and is the most widespread air pollutant. It is created by the reaction of sunlight with emissions from vehicles, industrial facilities, and other sources. Inhalation of ozone can aggravate existing breathing problems and lead to long-term health issues, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
According to the American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report in 2015, Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, received an ""F" grade for ozone levels and a ""D" for particle pollution. While high ozone-level days had decreased to about one-third of the number recorded in 2000, they still remained above acceptable health thresholds. This indicated that despite some progress, Cleveland's ozone levels continued to pose a health risk to its residents.
In 2018, Cuyahoga County again received an "F" rating for high ozone days in the American Lung Association's report, which considered data from 2014 to 2016. The increase in temperatures during this period, with 2016 being the second warmest year on record, likely contributed to the spike in ozone levels across the country, including Cleveland.
The trend of worsening ozone levels in Cleveland continued, as evidenced by the American Lung Association's 2019 "State of the Air" report. Cuyahoga County once more received an "F" grade for high ozone days, and Cleveland was ranked the 9th most polluted city in the nation for year-round particle pollution. This ranking highlighted the persistent issue of unhealthy air quality in the region.
Furthermore, the Cleveland metro area was ranked 31st most polluted in the nation for ozone pollution in the 2024 "State of the Air" report, indicating that Cleveland's ozone levels had indeed worsened since the 2013-2015 period. While there were slight improvements in air quality, ozone pollution remained a significant challenge for the city.
The factors contributing to Cleveland's high ozone levels include climate change, emissions from power plants, vehicles, and industrial sources. Addressing these issues through policy interventions and pollution control measures is crucial to improving the city's air quality and protecting the health of its residents.
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The city's air quality fails to meet EPA standards
Cleveland's air quality has been a significant concern for its residents, with the city being ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the United States. The city's air quality fails to meet the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the body that monitors key air pollutants in real time, including particulate matter and ground-level ozone.
Cleveland's issues with air pollution are twofold, with both PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and ozone levels of concern. PM2.5 is a mixture of solid and liquid droplets in the air with varying chemical compositions. Its small size allows it to pass through the airways and lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing harm to almost every organ in the body. Ground-level ozone, on the other hand, is a noxious gas that forms in the atmosphere.
The American Lung Association's 2019 "State of the Air" report ranked Cleveland as the 9th most polluted city in the nation for year-round particle pollution. Cuyahoga County, within the Cleveland metro area, received an ''F' grade for high ozone days and a ''B' grade for 24-hour particle pollution. The report highlighted that Ohio residents were breathing unhealthy air, driven by emissions from power plants and extreme heat due to climate change.
Cleveland's air pollution problem is exacerbated during the warmer months, with the city experiencing an average of 66 days a year above 80°F and 9 days above 90°F. These warmer days predominantly occur between June and September, increasing the likelihood of ozone reaching unhealthy levels. The Cleveland metro area was ranked 31st worst in the nation for ozone pollution in the 2024 "State of the Air" report, with Cuyahoga County averaging 5.8 unhealthy days per year, a failing grade.
While there have been slight improvements in Cleveland's air quality, with the city showing compliance with federal particulate emissions standards in 2019, it still fails to meet EPA standards for ozone levels. This is a pressing issue, as air pollution can cause a range of adverse health effects, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
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Cleveland is one of the most polluted cities in the US
Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the most polluted cities in the US. The city has been ranked 9th for year-round particle pollution in the American Lung Association's 2019 "State of the Air" report. Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, received an 'F' grade for high ozone days and a 'B' grade for 24-hour particle pollution.
Cleveland's air quality fails to meet the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for ozone and PM2.5. The city's non-attainment status for these air pollutants has positioned it as one of the most polluted cities in the country. During a three-year monitoring period from 2017 to 2019, 18 days exceeded the EPA's daily ozone targets, far higher than the federal standard of 3.2 days. Cleveland's ozone levels have been steadily worsening since the 2013-2015 period.
Cleveland's ozone pollution is largely due to emissions from cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and chemical plants. The city experiences an average of 66 days a year above 80°F and 9 days above 90°F, primarily during the summer months. These high temperatures, combined with sunlight, increase the formation of ground-level ozone, which is a harmful air pollutant and the main ingredient in smog.
The effects of air pollution exposure can be damaging to human health, with certain vulnerable groups at higher risk of adverse effects. These vulnerable groups include children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing health conditions, and pregnant mothers. The health impacts of air pollution include chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, congestion, and worsening of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.
While Cleveland has shown slight improvements in overall air quality in recent years, it still fails to meet the standards for ozone and particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association's 2024 "State of the Air" report. The city ranked 31st worst in the nation for ozone pollution and 73rd worst for short-term particle pollution.
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Cuyahoga County received an 'F' grade for high ozone days
Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, received a failing grade for high ozone days in the American Lung Association's 2019 "State of the Air" report. The report, which has been released annually for 25 years, ranks Cleveland as the 9th most polluted city in the nation for year-round particle pollution. The city has also been ranked 31st for high ozone days out of 226 US metropolitan areas.
Ozone is a noxious gas pollutant formed in the atmosphere rather than being emitted directly by ground sources. It is the main ingredient in smog and is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds. This occurs when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and other sources react in the presence of sunlight.
Ground-level ozone is a serious health concern, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and pregnant mothers. In Cuyahoga County, the average number of unhealthy days was 5.8 days per year, earning an F grade. This was an improvement from the previous year's report, which ranked Cuyahoga County as the 30th worst, with 6 days per year.
While Cleveland has shown slight improvements in air quality, it continues to fail in ozone and particle pollution. The city's ozone levels have steadily worsened since the 2013-2015 period. Between 2017 and 2019, 18 days exceeded EPA daily ozone targets, far higher than the federal standard of 3.2 days. The PM2.5 concentration in Cleveland is also 3.4 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. These factors contribute to Cuyahoga County's failing grade for high ozone days and Cleveland's ranking as one of the most polluted cities in the nation.
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Climate change makes air pollution more likely
Climate change is making air pollution more likely and more challenging to address. The warming climate increases the number of days with high pollen concentrations, degrading air quality and causing respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. Climate change also contributes to more frequent and intense wildfires, which release carbon monoxide and particulates, further degrading air quality. Vulnerable groups, including low-income populations, people of color, the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are disproportionately affected by the health impacts of air pollution.
Cleveland, Ohio, has been consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the nation, particularly for year-round particle pollution and ozone levels. The Cleveland metro area ranked 31st worst in the nation for ozone pollution and showed slight improvement in air quality between 2022 and 2024, according to the American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report. However, it still fails to meet EPA attainment standards for ozone and PM2.5, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the WHO guideline values.
The main sources of air pollution in Cleveland include emissions from power plants, vehicles, factories, oil and gas extraction, and extreme heat due to climate change. These factors contribute to the city's poor air quality, which poses health risks to its residents, especially vulnerable groups.
To address the issue of increasing air pollution in Cleveland, several measures can be implemented:
- Reducing emissions from power plants and industrial sources: This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing stricter emission standards.
- Improving transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, electric vehicles, and active transportation, such as walking and biking, can help reduce vehicle emissions.
- Promoting renewable energy: Cleveland can encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Enhancing air quality monitoring and public information: Expanding air quality monitoring networks and disseminating information to the public can help raise awareness and inform actions to reduce air pollution exposure.
- Advocating for stronger national limits on ozone pollution: Calling on the EPA to establish long-overdue, stricter limits on ozone pollution can help drive systemic change.
By implementing these measures and addressing the underlying causes of air pollution, Cleveland can improve its air quality and protect the health and well-being of its residents, especially those vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the American Lung Association's 2019 "State of the Air" report, Cleveland was ranked the 9th most polluted city in the US for year-round particle pollution. Cuyahoga County received an 'F' grade for high ozone days. Cleveland's ozone levels have worsened since the 2013-2015 period. However, the 2024 report showed a slight improvement in air quality.
Exposure to air pollution can trigger a variety of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can also worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Certain groups are more likely to experience acute adverse effects, including children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems or preexisting health conditions, and pregnant mothers.
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is the transportation and environmental planning agency that represents state, county, city, village, and township officials in Greater Cleveland. NOACA develops and implements plans to ensure that travel throughout the region is safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sound. Prana Air also provides air quality monitoring and fresh air solutions for various indoor spaces in Cleveland.
