The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) has issued its 2024 Air Quality Trends Report for the Northeast Ohio region. The report summarizes regional air quality data and analyzes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

   The 2024 report presents information on air quality trends in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties for the six criteria pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. These are the pollutants for which the Clean Air Act requires the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

   Some highlights of the report include: The 2023 Canadian wildfires heavily impacted air quality in the United States and were a significant source of air pollution in Northeast Ohio. Wildfire smoke significantly elevated the concentrations of ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and carbon monoxide (CO). The report also shows that the region was recently bumped into serious nonattainment on December 14, 2024, from moderate in 2022.  Northeast Ohio’s historic reliance on manufacturing, heavy industry, coal-fired electricity generation, and single-occupancy vehicles has contributed to the region’s legacy air pollution.

   Air quality has improved significantly in Northeast Ohio in recent years; however, as the U.S. EPA continues to strengthen the NAAQS to protect public and environmental health, the region still does not comply with all EPA standards. Transportation remains the primary driver of Northeast Ohio’s air quality issues. On-road vehicles generate the largest share (27.2%) of criteria pollutant emissions.

 How can you help improve Northeast Ohio’s air quality? Avoid unnecessary fuel consumption. Combine errands to reduce fuel and save time. Walk, bike, use public transportation or drive fuel-efficient vehicles. Avoid idling your vehicle excessively. Turn off the key and be idle-free! Keep your car, boat and other vehicles finely tuned.

   NOACA issues Air Quality Advisories when the agency predicts pollution levels will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and those with breathing difficulties. Sign up at https://www.noaca.org/regional-planning/air-quality-planning/air-quality-advisories to receive Air Quality Advisories. Additionally, NOACA manages its Gohio Commute platform to help individuals choose alternative transportation options to drive-alone trips.