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Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.D-3 <br /> Forward Inc. Landfill 2014 Expansion Project <br /> compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOJ. VOCs and NO,,are known as precursor <br /> compounds for ozone. Substantial ozone production generally requires ozone precursors to be <br /> present in a stable atmosphere with strong sunlight for approximately three hours. Ozone is a <br /> regional air pollutant because it is not emitted directly by sources,but is formed downwind of <br /> sources of VOC and NO,,under the influence of wind and sunlight. Ozone concentrations tend -1 <br /> to be higher in the late spring, summer, and fall, when the long sunny days combine with <br /> regional subsidence inversions to create conditions conducive to the formation and <br /> accumulation of secondary photochemical compounds, such as ozone. <br /> J <br /> Carbon Monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a non-reactive pollutant that is a product of <br /> incomplete combustion of carbon containing materials such as fossil fuels, and is mostly <br /> associated with motor vehicle traffic, and in wintertime, with wood-burning stoves and <br /> fireplaces. High CO concentrations develop primarily during winter when periods of light <br /> winds combine with the formation of ground-level temperature inversions (typically from the <br /> evening through early morning). These conditions result in reduced dispersion of vehicle <br /> exhaust emissions. Motor vehicles also exhibit increased CO emission rates at low air <br /> temperatures. When inhaled at high concentrations, CO combines with hemoglobin in the <br /> blood and reduces its' oxygen-carrying capacity, resulting in reduced oxygen reaching the <br /> brain, heart, and other body tissues. This condition is especially critical for people with -- <br /> cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung disease, or anemia. CO measurements and modeling are <br /> not a priority in most California air districts due to the retirement of older polluting vehicles, <br /> less emissions from new vehicles, and improvements in fuels. <br /> Nitrogen Oxides.When combustion temperatures are extremely high, as in aircraft, truck and <br /> automobile engines, atmospheric nitrogen combines with oxygen to form various oxides of <br /> nitrogen. Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the most significant air pollutants <br /> generally referred to as NOX. Nitric oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is relatively <br /> harmless to humans, quickly converts to NO2 and can be measured. Nitrogen dioxide has been <br /> found to be a lung irritant capable of producing pulmonary edema. Inhaling NO2 can lead to — <br /> respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. <br /> Particulate Matter. Particulate matter (PM,o and PM2.5) consists of airborne particles that are <br /> 10 microns or less in diameter and 2.5 microns or less in diameter, respectively. PM10 and PM2.5 <br /> represent fractions of particulate matter that can be inhaled into the air passages and the lungs <br /> and can cause adverse health effects. Particulate matter in the atmosphere results from many <br /> kinds of dust-and fume-producing industrial and agricultural operations, fuel combustion, <br /> wood burning stoves and fireplaces, and atmospheric photochemical reactions. Some sources <br /> of particulate matter, such as demolition and construction activities and mining, are more local <br /> in nature, while others, such as vehicular traffic and wood burning stoves and fireplaces, have <br /> a more regional effect. <br /> Very small particles of certain substances (e.g., sulfates and nitrates) can cause lung damage <br /> directly, or can contain adsorbed gases (e.g., chlorides or ammonium) that may be injurious to <br /> health. Particulates also can damage materials and reduce visibility. Dust comprised of large <br /> particles (diameter greater than 10 microns) settles out rapidly and is easily filtered by human <br /> breathing passages. This dust is of concern more as a soiling nuisance rather than a health <br /> hazard. The remaining fraction, PM,o and PM2.5, are a health concern particularly at levels <br /> above the federal and State ambient air quality standards. PM2.5(including diesel exhaust <br /> particles)is thought to have greater deleterious effects on health because these particles are so <br /> small and thus are able to penetrate to the deepest parts of the lungs. <br /> Acute and chronic health effects associated with high particulate levels include the aggravation <br /> of chronic respiratory diseases,heart and lung disease, and coughing,bronchitis, and <br />