The American Lung Association released their 2017 "State of The Air" report which states that Allen County has improved their ozone numbers but pollution numbers remained the same.Â
"State of The Air" reports found that unhealthy levels of ozone decreased thanks to the Clean Air Act's success at cleaning up major sources of the emissions that create ozone, like coal-fired power plants and cars.
But, research also shows that the climate change causing warmer temperatures makes the ozone harder to clean up, which causes the most widespread air pollutant that is created by the reaction of sunlight on emissions from cars and other sources.
Ken Fletcher from the American Lung Association says overall, Allen County has seen drastic improvements in their ozone grade levels.
"The County went from being an F which is a failing grade, to a C grade. There were only four "ORANGE" days where it was unsafe for people with compromised systems like the elderly and the young to be outside breathing the air, versus last years report, where we had 25 "ORANGE" days and one "RED" day, which is unhealthy for anyone to be out. So it is a really good improvement," says Fletcher.Â
Fletcher says there are still a couple places in Ohio with failing grades and unhealthy levels, but, people can help out by advocating for laws like the Clean Air Act which helps control air pollution. Â
