Meghan Hodges
Ohio's pollution comes from a variety of sources, including power plants, vehicles, and agricultural activities. The state has made significant progress in reducing air pollution, particularly in decreasing PM2.5 exposure between 2009 and 2020. However, certain areas, such as western and central counties, continue to experience higher levels of air pollution than others. Ohio's pollution sources contribute to a range of health issues, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and nervous system problems. Additionally, water pollution in the state is a growing concern, with natural gas production through fracking contaminating groundwater and runoff from farms carrying excess herbicides and pesticides into waterways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main sources of pollution | Power plants, vehicles, coal-burning power plants, natural gas production using hydraulic fracturing, farms, suburban and urban property owners |
| Impact | Asthma-causing conditions, cardiovascular disease, nervous system impacts, mercury poisoning leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities and birth defects |
| Groups disproportionately affected | Ohioans of color, particularly Black Ohioans |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution from vehicles and power plants
Fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is a significant concern and is composed of microscopically small solid or liquid particles. Sources of PM2.5 include diesel trucks, buses, power plants, and wood-burning fireplaces. Concentrations of these particles often peak overnight when cool air traps pollution near the ground. Particle pollution can also be transported over long distances, influenced by weather conditions, such as wildfires.
Vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution in Ohio. Idling vehicles waste fuel and produce pollutants, and road use results in emissions from tailpipes and wear particles from tires. To improve air quality, individuals are encouraged to drive less, opting instead to walk, use transit, or work from home. Turning off engines instead of idling and refraining from refuelling during the day can also help reduce vehicle emissions.
Power plants are another major source of air pollution. Coal-burning power plants emit mercury, which can contaminate waterways and accumulate in the food chain, posing risks to human health, especially in children. Federal laws, such as the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, place restrictions on emissions and discharges from power plants. However, the cumulative impact of these discharges remains a concern for scientists.
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) plays a crucial role in addressing air pollution in the region. NOACA works with state, county, and local officials to ensure that travel is safe and environmentally sound. They provide air quality forecasts and issue Air Quality Advisories to keep the public informed about pollution levels.
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Water pollution from fracking
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves injecting fluid into the ground at high pressure to extract oil and gas. This process generates large volumes of wastewater, which can contain toxic chemicals and contaminants. In Ohio, this wastewater is often disposed of in injection wells, with nearly 29 million barrels injected in 2015 alone. This practice has raised concerns among residents, particularly in Trumbull County, which has a high concentration of injection wells.
The wastewater from fracking can contain toxic substances such as arsenic, lead, formaldehyde, and mercury. These contaminants can leak into groundwater, soil, and surface water sources, posing risks to human health and the environment. In some cases, residents have reported slimy and oily substances in their tap water, indicating possible contamination from nearby injection wells.
The lack of regulation and disclosure requirements in Ohio exacerbates the problem. The state does not mandate permit applicants to disclose the contents of fracking fluids, and loopholes in the Safe Drinking Water Act exempt companies from revealing these details. Additionally, Ohio's participation in the Underground Injection Control Program exempts it from federal wastewater regulations, making it a more attractive location for injection wells compared to other states.
The consequences of water pollution from fracking can be long-lasting, even if the practice diminishes in the future. Local populations will have to deal with the contamination of their water sources for generations to come. This has prompted organizations like the Ohio River Foundation to advocate for stronger regulation, enforcement, and the adoption of science-based water quality standards to protect and improve water quality in the state.
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Water pollution from farm runoff
Water runoff from farms is a significant contributor to water pollution in Ohio. Water leaving farmland drains into streams, carrying excess herbicides, pesticides, and nutrients from fertilizers and manure. This runoff can lead to nitrogen pollution, which has severe environmental and health consequences. For example, Lake Erie's 2014 algae bloom left more than 400,000 residents of Toledo, Ohio, without drinking water for three days.
While some farmers have taken steps to mitigate runoff, such as creating buffer zones around streams or using chemical injection systems, many farm bureaus oppose direct regulation of farm runoff. The challenge of effectively regulating agricultural runoff has led to the emergence of water trading credit programs, where industrial polluters purchase credits to meet their pollution limits, and the money is used to fund projects that reduce pollution on farms. These programs have been implemented in the Ohio River watershed to address nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, which are significant contributors to toxic algae blooms.
One example of a successful project is Ken Merrick's farm, where he created a large concrete slab for cows and manure, securing the hillside and fencing off the cattle from the stream. This project was funded through a regional water credit trading program, demonstrating that industry funding can play a role in reducing agricultural runoff. However, the difficulty in measuring the exact pollution reduction on farms has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that pollution is merely being moved rather than reduced.
To address water pollution from farm runoff effectively, a combination of regulatory measures and incentives for farmers to adopt best practices is necessary. This includes educating homeowners and builders about runoff pollution and implementing solutions such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavers to capture and treat runoff. By working together and adopting science-based water quality standards, Ohio can protect and improve the quality of its waterways, ensuring safe and sustainable water resources for its residents and ecosystems.
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Air pollution health risks
Air pollution in Ohio is a pressing issue that poses significant health risks to the state's residents. One of the primary sources of air pollution in Ohio is the transportation sector, including vehicles and power plants, which contribute to the emission of harmful pollutants. These emissions have severe health implications, affecting both the general population and vulnerable groups such as people with lung disease, older adults, and children.
Ozone (O3) is a prevalent air pollutant that forms ground-level ozone or tropospheric ozone through chemical reactions involving oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant and a key component of smog. Exposure to ozone can trigger a range of respiratory symptoms, including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can also exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.
The health risks associated with air pollution in Ohio vary depending on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. When the AQI falls within the "Moderate" category (51-100), the air quality is generally acceptable, but sensitive individuals may experience respiratory issues, especially those susceptible to ozone. The "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range (101-150) poses a higher risk to vulnerable populations, including people with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children, who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of both ozone and particulate matter in the air.
Additionally, air pollution from coal-burning power plants can release mercury, a potent neurotoxin. Mercury can contaminate waterways and accumulate in the food chain, leading to permanent brain damage in children and developmental delays, learning disabilities, and birth defects. The cumulative impact of these pollutants has raised concerns among scientists, highlighting the importance of adhering to federal laws and regulations, such as the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, to mitigate these health risks.
To address these health risks, individuals can take proactive measures to reduce their contribution to air pollution. This includes reducing vehicle usage by opting for walking, biking, public transit, or working from home. Other recommendations are turning off idling engines, refraining from refuelling vehicles during the day, and avoiding lawn mowing when air pollution levels are expected to be high. By staying informed about air quality forecasts and taking preventive actions, individuals can play a crucial role in minimizing their exposure to harmful pollutants and mitigating the health risks associated with air pollution in Ohio.
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Air quality monitoring and improvement
Air pollution in Ohio is a pressing issue, with certain areas, such as Columbus, experiencing high levels of air pollution. The state has made progress in improving air quality over the years, but there are still concerns, especially for vulnerable populations. To effectively monitor and improve air quality in Ohio, several measures can be implemented:
Air Quality Monitoring:
- Utilize a Comprehensive Monitoring Network: Ohio EPA has already established a network of over 250 high-quality air monitors across the state. This network should be expanded and enhanced to provide real-time data on various pollutants, including particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen oxides.
- Neighborhood-Level Monitoring: Initiatives like the air quality monitoring network in Franklin County, utilizing Purple Air monitors, should be replicated in other regions. This allows for more localized data, helping identify specific areas of concern and ensuring that disadvantaged communities are not disproportionately affected by pollution.
- Public Awareness and Engagement: Make air quality data easily accessible to the public through user-friendly platforms and apps. Engage with citizens by providing educational resources and raising awareness about the impacts of air pollution on health. This empowers individuals to take necessary precautions and make informed decisions regarding their health.
Air Quality Improvement:
- Strict Enforcement of Regulations: Ensure stringent enforcement of federal and state laws, such as the Clean Air Act, to limit emissions from power plants, industrial facilities, and vehicles. Hold polluters accountable and impose penalties for non-compliance.
- Reduce Emissions from Transportation: As the transportation sector significantly contributes to air pollution, promote the use of public transportation, electric vehicles, and carpooling. Improve fuel efficiency standards and encourage the development of sustainable mobility options.
- Address Industrial Sources: Work closely with industries to adopt cleaner technologies and best practices to reduce emissions. Implement strict standards for power plants, refineries, and chemical plants, especially regarding the release of ozone-forming pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
- Mitigate Particulate Matter Pollution: Focus on reducing particulate matter, or soot, from construction sites, unpaved roads, and wildfires. Encourage the use of dust control measures, paved roads, and proper waste management practices to minimize the presence of harmful particles in the air.
- Collaborate with Agricultural Sector: Implement best management practices in agriculture to reduce runoff pollution from farms. This includes creating buffer zones around streams, adopting alternative methods to spraying pesticides and herbicides, and promoting sustainable farming practices that minimize the use of chemicals.
- Promote Clean Energy Sources: Transitioning from coal-burning power plants to cleaner energy sources, such as renewable and low-carbon alternatives, can significantly reduce mercury emissions and other harmful pollutants.
By combining effective monitoring strategies with targeted improvement measures, Ohio can make significant strides in enhancing its air quality and protecting the health and well-being of its residents.
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Frequently asked questions
The main sources of pollution in Ohio are vehicles, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and fracking.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a process used to extract and process natural gas. It is known to emit pollutants, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene, which have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems.
Coal-burning power plants emit mercury, which falls into waterways and accumulates in the food we eat. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can cause permanent brain damage to children and lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and birth defects.
Pollution from vehicles, such as cars, can contribute to asthma-causing conditions and serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease. It can also worsen existing respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.
Yes, there are racial disparities in the exposure to air pollution in Ohio. According to data, Black Ohioans are more likely to be exposed to air pollution than white Ohioans, with almost one and a half times the likelihood of exposure.
