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City of Pleasanton—Hidden Canyon Residences and Preserve Air Quality Draft EIR 3.2-12 FirstCarbon Solutions https://adecinnovations.sharepoint.com/sites/PublicationsSite/Shared Documents/Publications/Client (PN-JN)/2148/21480016/EIR/3 - Draft EIR/21480016 Sec03-02 Air Quality.docx significant health risks due to emissions of benzene, a known carcinogen found in gasoline.14 Benzene exposure can lead to serious health issues such as leukemia and other blood disorders. DPM is highly toxic due to its fine particulate nature, allowing it to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.15 It is a significant component of PM2.5, which is associated with various adverse health effects, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and premature death.16 DPM exposure has been linked to increased hospital admissions for heart disease and respiratory illnesses. The BAAQMD has established thresholds for PM2.5 to protect public health, highlighting the importance of controlling DPM emissions.17 Efforts to reduce these emissions include implementing stricter regulations and promoting cleaner technologies, such as the EPA’s Tier 4 emission standards for off-road engines and the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel, to protect communities, especially those near major transportation routes and industrial areas.18 Sensitive Receptors Air pollution does not affect every individual in the population in the same way, and some groups are more sensitive to adverse health effects than others. Children and infants are among the most susceptible to air pollution due to their developing lungs, higher inhalation rates, narrow airways, and less mature immune systems. Children and adults with allergies may also have an enhanced allergic response when exposed to PM pollution. Other sensitive populations include the elderly, pregnant women (due to the developing fetus), and those with respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses affected by air pollution. Sensitive land uses (also referred to as receptors) are places where sensitive populations are most likely to spend their time. The groups identified with these land uses may have increased susceptibility to respiratory distress or, as in the case of residences, their exposure time is greater than that for other land uses. BAAQMD defines sensitive receptors as people—children, adults, and seniors occupying or residing in: • Residential dwellings, including apartments, houses, condominiums, single-room occupancy units, and residential hotels; • Places of business; • Schools, colleges and universities; • Day care centers; • Hospitals; • Temporary housing, shelters, or encampments; 14 California Air Resources Board (ARB). 2022. Gasoline Service Station Industrywide Risk Assessment Guidance. February 18. 15 California Air Resources Board (ARB). Overview: Diesel Exhaust and Health. Website: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/overview- diesel-exhaust-and-health. Accessed February 25, 2025 16 California Air Resources Board (ARB). Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health (PM2.5 and PM10). Website: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health. Accessed February 25, 2025. 17 Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). Air Quality Standards and Thresholds. Website : https://www.baaqmd.gov/plans-and-climate/california-environmental-quality-act-ceqa. Accessed February 25, 2025 18 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Learn About Impacts of Diesel Exhaust and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). Website: https://www.epa.gov/dera/learn-about-impacts-diesel-exhaust-and-diesel-emissions-reduction-act-dera. Accessed February 25, 2025