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Draft Environmental Impact Report Page IV.D-5 Forward Landfill Expansion Particulate Matter. Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2,5) consists of airborne particles that are 10 microns or less in diameter and 2.5 microns or less in diameter, respectively. PMio and PM2.5 represent fractions of particulate matter that can be inhaled into the air passages and the lungs and can cause adverse health effects. Particulate matter in the atmosphere results from many kinds of dust-and fume-producing industrial and agricultural operations, fuel combustion, wood burning stoves and fireplaces, and atmospheric photochemical reactions. Some sources of particulate matter, such as demolition and construction activities and mining, are more local in nature, while others, such as vehicular traffic and wood burning stoves and fireplaces, have a more regional effect. Very small particles of certain substances (e.g., sulfates and nitrates) can cause lung damage directly, or can contain adsorbed gases (e.g., chlorides or ammonium) that may. be injurious to health. Particulates also can damage.materials and reduce visibility. Dust comprised of large particles (diameter greater than 10 microns) settles out rapidly and is easily filtered by human breathing passages. This dust is of concern more as a soiling nuisance rather than a health hazard. The remaining fraction, PM,()and PM2,5i are a health concern particularly at levels above the federal and State ambient air quality standards. PM2.5(including diesel exhaust particles) is thought to have greater deleterious effects on health because these particles are so small and thus are able to penetrate to the deepest parts of the lungs. Acute and chronic health effects associated with high particulate levels include the aggravation of chronic respiratory diseases,heart and lung disease, and coughing, bronchitis, and 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 PM,o 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. SO,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 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 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).