Ohio's Air Pollution: Industrial Impact And Health Concerns

Ohio is one of the states in the U.S. that is heavily affected by industrial air pollution. The state's economy has a strong industrial presence, with a large amount of manufacturing and automobile production. With a dense population and a high level of industrial activity, Ohio experiences air pollution issues, reflected in its PM2.5 readings. The main sources of air pollution in Ohio include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, power plants, and occasional forest fires. The state's reliance on fossil fuels and limited public transit system also contribute to the air pollution problem. The high levels of air pollution in Ohio have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and people with lung diseases.

Ohio's large manufacturing industry

Ohio has a long history of being an influential state with a strong industrial presence. While its economy has shifted towards sectors like information technology and the service industry, manufacturing remains a salient sector in the state. Ohio is home to 13,907 manufacturing companies, employing 851,775 workers, ranking third in the US for manufacturing jobs. Cincinnati is Ohio's largest city in terms of industrial jobs, with 70,020 workers. Other major cities for manufacturing include Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo.

The industrial machinery industry is Ohio's largest manufacturing sector by number of jobs, employing 17% of the state's industrial workers. This is followed by fabricated metal products (12%), transportation equipment (11%), rubber and miscellaneous plastic products (9%), and food products (8%).

The pollution from Ohio's electricity sector has been a significant contributor to its toxic air pollution levels. The state's shift to green energy and reduction of emissions will be challenging due to the significance of the manufacturing and electricity industries to Ohio's economy. However, curbing carbon emissions and focusing on green energy have become urgent priorities to address climate change and global warming.

High population density

Ohio has a large and dense population. This means that there is a huge demand for electricity, particularly during the winter months. To meet this demand, power stations burn through large amounts of coal and natural gas, which releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants include black carbon, which is the main component of soot and has potent carcinogenic properties. In addition, coal-burning power plants emit mercury, a potent neurotoxin that can cause permanent brain damage in children.

The dense population also means that there are many cars on the road, which emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants react with each other in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, which is a powerful lung irritant. Inhaling ozone can cause inflammation of the airways and damage to multiple body systems. It is of particular concern to vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and people with lung diseases such as asthma and COPD.

Furthermore, the high population density in Ohio leads to a large number of construction sites, road repairs, and other activities that disrupt large portions of the earth or soil. These activities release fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) into the air, which can have adverse health effects when inhaled. The more people there are in a given area, the more construction and development are needed to accommodate them, and the more pollution is generated as a result.

The combination of a large, dense population and a high amount of industry means that Ohio is subject to significant air pollution issues, as reflected in the PM2.5 readings recorded across its cities. These readings often exceed the World Health Organization's target goal of 10 μg/m³ or less, indicating that the air quality in Ohio poses potential health risks to its residents. The higher the pollution count, coupled with factors such as length of exposure and individual disposition, the more severe the health risks can become.

Additionally, the dense population of Ohio means that a greater number of people are exposed to the harmful effects of air pollution. This is particularly true for vulnerable populations, such as those with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems. The high population density also increases the number of people at risk of developing health issues due to air pollution, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological problems.

Heavy reliance on fossil fuels

Ohio has historically been an influential state with a strong industrial presence. While the state's economy has shifted towards sectors like information technology and the service industry, Ohio still has a large manufacturing and automobile production sector. The state also has a big electricity generation sector, with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which has contributed to its air pollution problem.

In 2009, Ohio received 84% of its electricity from coal, the dirtiest fuel used to generate electricity. While the state has since made efforts to reduce its reliance on coal and other fossil fuels, it still has a long way to go. As of 2021, Ohio generated 45% of its electricity from natural gas, another fossil fuel. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels for energy production has led to Ohio being one of the most polluted states in the US. The harmful fumes emitted from power plants and other industries have resulted in high levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The transportation sector also contributes to Ohio's air pollution problem. With a large and dense population, there are countless vehicles on the road, emitting exhaust fumes and microscopic rubber particles from tyre wear. In addition, the state's manufacturing sector requires the transportation of goods, both locally and internationally, adding more vehicles to the road.

Ohio's recent energy utility legislation, such as Senate Bill 52 and House Bill 201, has been criticised for creating a paradoxical situation. While the state has made strides towards clean energy, these bills have been perceived as supporting the fossil fuel industry by exempting fossil fuel utility projects from certain review processes. This dichotomy in the treatment of clean energy and fossil fuel facilities has potentially hindered Ohio's transition to cleaner energy sources.

However, it is important to recognise that Ohio has also made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources. The state has recognised the benefits of renewable energy in reducing air pollution and combating climate change. With favourable conditions for wind and solar energy, Ohio has seen the development of several major renewable energy facilities. Despite the challenges posed by its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, Ohio is taking steps towards a more sustainable future.

Vehicle emissions

Ohio has a strong industrial presence, with a large manufacturing and automobile production sector. This, coupled with its large and dense population, has made the state susceptible to air pollution issues. One of the main sources of air pollution in Ohio is vehicle emissions.

The transportation sector, including vehicles like cars, lorries, and trucks, contributes significantly to air pollution in Ohio. These vehicles often run on diesel fuel and emit pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Nitrogen dioxide is commonly associated with car engines and is found in high concentrations in areas with heavy traffic. The presence of nitrogen dioxide in the air is a strong indicator of high traffic volume.

The impact of vehicle emissions on air quality in Ohio is significant. High levels of air pollution can have adverse effects on human health, even at levels below the World Health Organization's target of 10 μg/m³. The pollutants in the air can cause respiratory issues such as dry coughs, chest pains, and infections. They can also irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. Additionally, certain pollutants are linked to more severe health issues, such as skin irritation, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and even skin cancer.

To address the issue of vehicle emissions and improve air quality in Ohio, several measures have been proposed and implemented. At the federal level, there have been calls for the administration to set new standards for vehicle emissions and encourage the development of clean energy and electric transportation options. Local governments have also taken steps to reduce air pollution, with the Central Ohio Transportation Authority planning to transition to a non-diesel fleet by 2025. Additionally, funding has been allocated to emission-reduction projects, and there is a push for increased investment in public transportation and renewable energy sources.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Ohio has a long history of being an influential state with a robust industrial presence. The state has a large number of manufacturing plants and is one of the top states with a large electricity generation sector. The harmful fumes emitted from these plants and other industries make Ohio one of the most polluted states in the US.

The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions and the second-largest source when indirect emissions from electricity end-use are considered. Over 94% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum-based, including gasoline and diesel, resulting in direct emissions.

Commercial and residential activities also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions arise from burning fossil fuels for heating and using gases for refrigeration and cooling in buildings. Commercial and residential sector emissions increase notably when indirect emissions from electricity usage are factored in, as buildings consume a significant proportion of electricity.

In Ohio, the sizeable population leads to a substantial demand for electricity, especially during winter. Power stations burn large amounts of coal and natural gas to meet this demand, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Frequently asked questions