The Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie metro area has some of the most polluted air in the country, ranking 11th worst for annual particle pollution out of more than 200 metros nationwide, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.
Particle pollution is linked to asthma attacks, early death and heart attacks, strokes and emergency room visits, according to the association.
The annual State of the Air report measures air quality and health across the U.S., and ranks metro areas in several categories — including high ozone rates and particle pollution. This type of pollution is worsened by emissions from sources such as highways, oil and gas extraction, power generation and industry.
Both Marion and Lake counties received failing grades for all three measures the ALA tracks: ozone, 24-hour particle pollution and annual particle pollution.
A recent report from the Environmental Integrity Project found that since 2010, the budget for Indiana Department of Environmental Management, or IDEM, decreased by 19%.
IDEM, in a report issued April 22, said air contaminants statewide have fallen 74% over the past 25 years.
The State of the Air report also ranked the Indianapolis metro area 55th worst for high ozone days out of 226 metropolitan areas and 14th worst for 24-hour particle pollution out of 224 metropolitan areas.
The American Lung Association report recommends defending the Environmental Protection Agency, including staff, funding and rules. It also recommends working to reduce emissions at local levels through initiatives such as investing in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and requiring more electricity to come from sources including wind, solar and geothermal.
Farrah Anderson is an investigative health reporter with WFYI and Side Effects Public Media. You can follow her on X at @farrahsoa or by email at fanderson@wfyi.org
