The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) released its annual Air Quality Report, showing both improvements and challenges in the region’s air quality.
Key Findings:
- Air quality in Central Ohio continues to improve over the long term, despite challenges like last summer’s wildfires.
- Most days had “Good” air quality, but levels were worse compared to the previous year due to factors like ozone and wildfire smoke.
- Fine particle pollution (PM2.5) caused the majority of air quality alerts, with one day exceeding the “Unhealthy” level for the first time since 2003.
Public Health:
- Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with lung issues, are more vulnerable to health effects during air quality alerts.
- Residents can sign up for air quality alerts and take action to protect their health by limiting outdoor activity on bad air days.
Taking Action:
- Programs like MORPC’s Gohio Commute encourage alternatives like ridesharing, electric vehicles, and biking to reduce air pollution.
- Residents can learn more about air quality and sign up for alerts at https://www.morpc.org/programs-services/air-quality/.
The full report and information on ozone and particulate matter can be found on the MORPC Air Quality Program page.
