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4.1 – Air Quality Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2021 14800 W. Schulte Road Logistics Center 4.1-6 Long-term (months to years) exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, particularly in people who have chronic heart or lung diseases, and reduced lung function growth in children. The effects of long-term exposure to PM10 are less clear, although several studies suggest a link between long-term PM10 exposure and respiratory mortality. The International Agency for Research on Cancer published a review in 2015 that concluded that PM in outdoor air pollution causes lung cancer (CARB 2017). People with influenza, people with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and older adults may suffer worsening illness and premature death as a result of breathing PM. People with bronchitis can expect aggravated symptoms from breathing PM. Children may experience a decline in lung function due to breathing in PM 10 and PM2.5 (EPA 2009). PM encompasses a physically and chemically diverse class of ambient air pollutants of both anthropogenic and biological origin. The PM standard is the only National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) that does not target a specific chemical or family of chemical species (NRC 2005). The range of human health effects associated with ambient PM levels or demonstrated in laboratory studies has expanded from earlier concerns for total mortality and respiratory morbidity to include cardiac mortality and morbidity, blood vessel constriction, stroke, premature birth, low birth weight, retarded lung growth, enhancement of allergic responses, reduced resistance to infection, degenerative lesions in the brain, and lung cancer (EPA 2004). Lead. Lead in the atmosphere occurs as particulate matter. Sources of lead include leaded gasoline; the manufacturing of batteries, paints, ink, ceramics, and ammunition; and secondary lead smelters. Prior to 1978, mobile emissions were the primary source of atmospheric lead. Between 1978 and 1987, the phaseout of leaded gasoline reduced the overall inventory of airborne lead by nearly 95%. With the phaseout of leaded gasoline, secondary lead smelters, battery recycling, and manufacturing facilities are becoming lead -emissions sources of greater concern. Prolonged exposure to atmospheric lead poses a serious threat to human health. Health effects associated with exposure to lead include gastrointestinal disturbances, anemia, kidney disease, and, in severe cases, neuromuscular and neurological dysfunction. Of particular concern are low-level lead exposures during infancy and childhood. Such exposures are associated with decrements in neurobehavioral performance, including intelligence quotient performance, psychomotor performance, reaction time, and growth. Children are highly susceptible to the effects of lead. Reactive Organic Gases. Hydrocarbons are organic gases that are formed from hydrogen and carbon and sometimes other elements. Hydrocarbons that contribute to formation of O3 are referred to and regulated as ROGs (also referred to as VOCs). Combustion engine exhaust, oil refineries, and fossil-fueled power plants are the sources of hydrocarbons. Other sources of hydrocarbons include evaporation from petroleum fuels, solvents, dry cleaning solutions, and paint. The primary health effects of ROGs result from the formation of O 3 and its related health effects. High levels of ROGs in the atmosphere can interfere with oxygen intake by reducing the amount of available oxygen through displacement. Carcinogenic forms of hydrocarbons, such as benzene, are considered TACs. There are no separate health standards for ROGs as a group.