How Indiana’s Air Quality Affects You
Understanding Indiana’s Air Issues
Indiana has a natural, underrated beauty, existing in its lush forests, vast farmlands, and multicolored sunsets. From countryside breezes to rural hiking trails, Hoosiers have a lot to be proud of; however, the air we breathe is facing increasing challenges. Air quality issues are affecting the health of our families, our wildlife, and our economy.
The State of Indiana’s Air Quality
Air quality in Indiana is shaped by various factors, from industrial pollutants, car emissions, to outdated coal plants. Many regions struggle with levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Wind and weather patterns can carry these pollutants across the state, affecting all Hoosiers.
How Air Quality Affects Your Health
Air pollutants are often invisible, creating hidden but critical risks to Hoosiers’ health. Poor air quality has been associated with cancers, lung disease, neurological issues, heart disease, lower quality of life, and more critical health outcomes. Not only are all Hoosiers affected by our air quality, but our children and pets are at an increased risk for poor air quality.
How Air Quality Affects Indiana’s Environment
Air quality affects not only our health, but also Indiana’s natural landscapes and resources. Air pollution reduces biodiversity, damages forests and soil, and contributes to desertification. Rainfall can also carry air pollutants, resulting in acid rain that degrades trees and soil.
How Air Quality Affects Indiana’s Economy
Indiana’s economy is deeply connected to its natural resources. Poor air quality contaminates our natural resources, causing a weakened economy from adverse health effects that interfere with labor and healthcare costs for Hoosiers. Air pollution can also harm crops and livestock, hurting our farmers and trade.
How You Can Take Action for Clean Air
- Support Clean Energy: One of the best ways to reduce pollution is by advancing clean energy sources across Indiana. Advocating for policies that prioritize sustainable energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, over fossil fuels is the path to a healthier Indiana. Follow Indiana Conservation Voters (ICV) for clean energy and air policy updates here.
- Become an Advocate: Raise awareness about Indiana’s air quality issues by sharing this information and following ICV on our socials for more updates and ways you and your community can get involved.
- Invest in Indiana’s Clean Future: Invest in your home and fellow Hoosiers by becoming a Conservation Champion for as little as $5 a month. When you become a member of the ICV Conservation Champions, you’re supporting initiatives that advocate for clean air, healthy communities, and the natural resources that define Indiana. Your monthly commitment sustains ICV’s mission and impact, for all Hoosiers.
ICV is committed to a cleaner, healthier Indiana. With your help, we can mobilize the movement for clean air for all Hoosiers. By staying informed, supporting clean energy solutions, and actively participating in community efforts, you can help protect Indiana’s natural resources and vitality. Join our movement for a cleaner Indiana today!
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