Comparing Air Pollution in Cincinnati versus Cleveland

Comparing Air Pollution in Cincinnati versus Cleveland

Air pollution is the presence in or introduction into the air of a substance, which has harmful or poisonous effects. It affects areas differently based on the causes and source of the pollution. Most air pollution is the direct result of the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, natural gas, and gasoline to produce electricity and power our vehicles. Cincinnati and Cleveland are both metro areas that often times have high levels of air pollution. Cincinnati has been known to have a problem with severe ozone pollution and has been under several air quality advisories this past summer. “Ozone air pollution at ground level where we can breathe it (inthe troposphere) causes serious health problems.” Spending time outdoors while the ozone pollution levels are high leaves people at risk for breathing problems and other harmful health defects.

In Hamilton County, where Cincinnati is, the current map says the air quality is good which means that it is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk however these levels are always changing.

In Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is, the current map says the air quality is also good.

 “The Cleveland area remains one of the worst performers in thecountry for air quality, despite significant improvements over the past 15years according to the annual State of the Air report from the American LungAssociation. The metropolitan area still suffers from high levels ofparticulate pollution, or soot, in the air year-round due to vehicle exhaustand has too many days with high ozone levels. High ozone level days havedropped to almost one-third of their 2000 levels, but remain above acceptable limitsfor health of residents.” 

Both cities have room for improvement as well as the rest of the world in terms of reducing our air pollution.