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Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.D-4 Forward Inc. Landfill 2014 Expansion Project ` respiratory illnesses in children. Mortality studies since the 1990's have shown a statistically significant direct association between mortality (premature deaths) and daily concentrations of particulate matter in the air. Despite important gaps in scientific knowledge and continued reasons for some skepticism, a comprehensive evaluation of the research findings provides persuasive evidence that exposure to fine particulate air pollution has adverse effects on cardiopulmonary health(Dockery and Pope,2006). The CARB has estimated that achieving the ambient air quality standards for PMto could reduce premature mortality rates by 6,500 cases per year. Other Criteria Pollutants. Sulfur dioxide (SO2)is a combustion product of sulfur or sulfur— containing fuels such as coal and diesel. SO2 is also a precursor to the formation of �' atmospheric sulfate and particulate matter, and contributes to potential atmospheric sulfuric acid formation that could precipitate downwind as acid rain. The maximum SO2 concentrations recorded in the project area are well below federal and State standards;as a •o result the area is in attainment status with both federal and State SO2 standards. Ambient lead (Pb) concentrations also meet both the federal and State standards in the project INN area. Lead has a range of adverse neurotoxic health effects, and historically has been released into the atmosphere via leaded gasoline products. The phase—out of leaded gasoline in California has resulted in dramatically decreased levels of atmospheric lead. Odors While offensive, odors rarely cause any physical harm. Nevertheless, they still can be very .. unpleasant, leading to considerable distress among the public and often generating citizen complaints to local governments and the SJVAPCD. The occurrence and severity of odor problems depends on numerous factors, including the nature, frequency, and intensity of the «. source;wind speed and direction;and the sensitivity of the receptor(s). Toxic Air Contaminants ` Toxic air contaminants (TACs) are pollutants that are associated with acute, chronic, or carcinogenic effects but for which no NAAQS or CAAQS have been established. TAC impacts are evaluated by determining if a particular chemical poses a significant risk to human health and, if so,under what circumstances. The ambient background of TAC is the combined result of many diverse human activities, including gasoline stations,refineries, automobiles, industrial operations, and painting operations. In general, mobile sources (such as diesel) contribute more significantly to health risks than stationary sources. TACs are also known as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)under federal EPA regulations. In August of 1998,the CARB identified particulate emissions from diesel—fueled engines (diesel particulate matter [DPM]) as a TAC. In 2000,CARB published the Risk Reduction Plan to Reduce Particulate Matter Emissions from Diesel—Fueled Engines and Vehicles4 and the Risk Management Guidance for the Permitting of New Stationary Diesel—Fueled Engines.5 The documents represent proposals to reduce diesel particulate emissions,with the goal being to reduce emissions and the associated health risk by 75 percent in 2010 and by 85 percent in 2020. The program aims to require the use of state—of—the—art catalyzed diesel particulate filters and ultra—low—sulfur ,r diesel fuel. 4 California Air Resources Board(CARB),Risk Reduction Plan to Reduce Particulate Matter Emissions from r. Diesel-Fueled Engines and Vehicles,September 28,2000. 5 California Air Resources Board(GARB),Risk Management Guidance for the Permitting of New Stationary Diesel-Fueled Engines,September 28,2000.