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City of Pleasanton—Hidden Canyon Residences and Preserve Draft EIR Air Quality FirstCarbon Solutions 3.2-3 https://adecinnovations.sharepoint.com/sites/PublicationsSite/Shared Documents/Publications/Client (PN-JN)/2148/21480016/EIR/3 - Draft EIR/21480016 Sec03-02 Air Quality.docx Air Pollutant Types, Sources, and Effects Concentrations of criteria air pollutants are used as indicators of air quality conditions. Air pollutants are termed criteria air pollutants if they are regulated by developing specific public health- and welfare-based criteria as the basis for setting permissible levels. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), criteria air pollutants are ozone, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead, and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Table 3.2-1 provides a summary of the types, sources, and effects of criteria air pollutants. In addition to criteria air pollutants, another group of pollutants commonly referred to as toxic air contaminants (TACs ) or Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), are pollutants that result in an increase in mortality or serious illness or pose a present or potential hazard to human health. Health effects of TACs may include cancer, birth defects, immune system damage, and neurological damage. In addition, many TACs can be toxic at very low concentrations. For some chemicals such as carcinogens, there are no thresholds below which exposure can be considered risk-free. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) identifies over 200 compounds as TACs (also termed as HAPs by the EPA). Table 3.2-1 provides a summary of the types, sources, and effects of TACs. Other air quality issues of concern in the SFBAAB include nuisance impacts of odors and dust. Objectionable odors may be associated with a variety of pollutants. Common sources of odors include wastewater treatment plants, landfills, composting facilities, refineries, and chemical plants. Similarly, nuisance dust may be generated by a variety of sources, including quarries, agriculture, grading, construction, and roads. Odors rarely have direct health effects among the public. Each year the BAAQMD receives thousands of citizen complaints about objectionable odors. As shown in Table 3.2-1, dust emissions can contribute to increased ambient concentrations of PM10 and can also contribute to reduced visibility and soiling of exposed surfaces. Table 3.2-1: Description of Criteria Pollutants of National and California Concern Criteria Pollutant Physical Description and Properties Most Relevant Effects from Pollutant Exposure Sources Ozone • A photochemical pollutant, i.e., it is not emitted directly into the atmosphere but is formed by a complex series of chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrous oxides (NOX), and sunlight. • A regional pollutant that is generated over a large area and is transported and spread by the wind. • Respiratory symptoms • Worsening of lung disease leading to premature death • Damage to lung tissue • On-road and off-road mobile vehicle exhausts • Factories and industrial facilities • Consumer products Particulate matter (PM10) • A mixture of small particles that consist of dry solid fragments, • Premature death and hospitalization, primarily • Gasoline- and diesel- powered mobile vehicles