Higher Ethanol Blends, Healthier Air: A Farmer’s Role in the Solution

Cleaner Air, Healthier Communities: Why Ethanol Matters

What comes out of a tailpipe doesn’t just affect big cities—it affects farm towns, rural roads, and everyone in between. That’s the message at the heart of the newest IL Corn TV episode featuring Bailey Arnold, Director of Healthy Air Solutions for the American Lung Association.

For more than 20 years, the American Lung Association has supported higher ethanol blends as a cleaner-burning fuel option. As Arnold explains, ethanol replaces harmful gasoline components like benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethyl benzene—compounds linked to serious lung health issues, including cancer and asthma. The result? Fewer toxic emissions and better air quality.

Research conducted alongside partners like the University of Illinois and the Hormel Institute shows a clear trend: the higher the ethanol blend, the greater the emissions reductions. Moving from E10 to E15—and even to E85—means fewer pollutants in the air and lower carbon emissions overall.

While air quality challenges are often associated with urban areas like Chicago, Arnold emphasizes that particulate matter affects rural communities just as much. These microscopic particles can travel deep into the lungs, worsening respiratory conditions regardless of where someone lives.

The conversation also highlights the essential role farmers play in these solutions—not only by producing corn for ethanol, but by adopting conservation practices like no-till and cover crops that reduce erosion and airborne particulates. Together, fuels, farming practices, and innovation form a powerful toolkit for improving public health.

This episode underscores the long-standing partnership between IL Corn and the American Lung Association—and the value of having trusted, third-party voices affirm the benefits farmers help deliver every day.

Watch the full episode of IL Corn TV to learn how ethanol supports cleaner air and healthier communities.