COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission released its annual End-of-Season Air Quality Report, which shows both positives and negatives for central Ohio's air quality in 2024. 

What You Need To Know

  • From November 2023 to October 2024, central Ohio had fewer air quality alerts compared to the 2022-23 reporting period

  • However, there were fewer good air quality days

  • The report encourages residents to reduce pollution by using sustainable transportation

The report analyzes air quality trends from November 2023 to October 2024, and it provides a synopsis of air quality conditions, factors that could be influencing them and what the public can do to improve air conditions, as well as protect their health. 

A positive in the report was that central Ohio had fewer air quality alerts in 2024 compared to 2023. Last year, there were only three alerts issued, which is down from 11 the past year. MORPC said this is because of the decrease of wildfire smoke from Canada, which strongly affected Ohio's air quality in 2023. 

However, the overall air quality was not as good. The report shows in the 2023-2024 ozone season, just 72% of days were within the Good Air Quality Index category — a 3% decrease from the previous season. Additionally, for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), just 60% of days were reported as "Good," which is a 17% decrease. 

PM2.5 means particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Weather had a profound effect on air quality, as October saw the highest AQI levels during the season, which the reports states is due to stagnant weather and severe drought. These events allowed pollutants to build, the report states. 

Overall, the above normal temperatures mixed with below-normal precipitation throughout the year contributed to elevated ozone levels, especially during the summer months, the report said. There were also still some thin smoke layers over the region, but it wasn't as much compared to 2023. 

“This report underscores how regional and national factors, such as weather patterns and policy changes, continue to shape our air quality. Together we can ensure a safe and healthy future for our residents as our region grows," wrote JR Diaz-Hernandez, MORPC’s air quality coordinator, in the report. 

The report states ways residents can help, which include explore sustainable commuting options, such as carpooling, biking and public transit use.

MORPC continues to monitor PM2.5 pollution throughout neighborhoods in Franklin County to help address data gaps. MORPC said it's also helping to support local decision-making by collaboration with Franklin County Public Health and deploying 36 PurpleAir sensors across the county. These senors provide real-time data, which can be found here. 

Residents can also sign up for air quality alerts by clicking here.

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