Air pollution in Cincinnati has gotten worse over the years: Report
CINCINNATI (WXIX) — Nearly half of Americans are living under air-polluted skies, and Cincinnatians are among those experiencing some of the worst air pollution in the U.S.
The American Lung Association released its 26th annual State of the Air report Wednesday, which shows that Cincinnati is the 14th worst metro city in the country for year-round particle pollution based on air quality data from 2021-2023.
According to the report, there has been no improvement in the city’s ground-level ozone pollution or particle pollution. It’s actually gotten worse since last year’s report (based on 2020-2022 data).
| 2024 Report | 2025 Report | |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-level ozone pollution (out of 228) | 42nd worst in the nation | 40th worst in the nation |
| Particle pollution (out of 225) | 85th worst in the nation | 40th worst in the nation |
| Year-round average levels particle pollution (out of 208) | 22nd worst in the nation | 14th worst in the nation |
“Unfortunately, too many people in Cincinnati are living with unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution. This air pollution is causing kids to have asthma attacks, making people who work outdoors sick and unable to work, and leading to low birth weight in babies. We urge Ohio policymakers to take action to improve our air quality,” said Kezia Ofosu Atta, Advocacy Director for the Lung Association in Ohio.
In addition to Cincinnati, some of the most polluted cities listed on the report include places in California, Arizona, Arkansas and Oregon. Cleveland ranked the ninth worst metro city for year-round particle pollution and Indianapolis ranked 11th.
What is particle pollution?
Particle pollution, also known as particulate matter, is a mix of small liquid and solid droplets released into the air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
These particles come in different shapes and compounds, like sulfuric acid, sodium chloride, soot, dust or even pollen, and are emitted from construction sites and fires or from everyday life task, like cooking in the kitchen and vacuuming.
While particle pollution is found everywhere, the EPA says it becomes an issue when concentration levels increase, a problem many metro cities deal with. The particles can also travel thousands of miles away and affect other regions too.
What is ground-level ozone pollution?
There are two types of ozone on Earth and in the upper atmosphere: “Good” ozone and “bad” ozone.
“Good” ozone, also known as stratospheric ozone, happens naturally and acts as a “shield” that protects people from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. But over the years, the EPA says a hole has formed in the ozone layer from the chemicals people make.
When these man-made chemicals have a reaction in sunlight or when it’s hot, it creates ground-level pollution, also known as “bad” ozone. Ground-level pollution often comes from factories, exhaust from vehicles, gasoline fumes and chemical solvents, the EPA reports.
How does air pollution impact your health?
Air pollution is not only negatively impacting the environment, but also people’s health.
The American Lung Associations says particle and ground-level ozone pollution are a threat to people’s health from birth to adulthood.
Some of the health effects the organization lists include wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, worsening COPD, lung cancer, premature birth and/or death and heart attacks and strokes.
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