During the last 20 years, air quality in Ohio has improved in many ways, according to a report issued this week by the Ohio EPA.

        But whether the air has improved enough to satisfy public health concerns remains a question.

        “There's a good story to tell about air quality in Ohio,” said Ohio EPA Director Christopher Jones.

        The report cites several improvements in air quality since 1979, including:

        • A 95 percent reduction in lead levels since 1979.

        • A 50 percent cut in sulfur dioxide since 1980.

        • A 22 percent cut in small particulate matter since 1985.

        • A 12 percent cut in ozone levels since 1980.

        • An 8 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide.

        However, the report offers no information comparing Ohio's progress to other states' and does not mention that Ohio officials often have resisted federal air pollution standards, said Ned Ford, energy committee chairman for the Sierra Club's Ohio chapter.

        “It is disingenuous to take credit for having done what they were forced to do by the federal government,” Mr. Ford said. “Ohio is still the largest source of sulfur dioxide in the United States.” and the third- or fourth-largest source of carbon dioxide in the world.”

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