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Munn&Perkins Quarry Excavation Permit <br /> r- <br /> the carbon monoxide state and federal standards. CO measurements and modeling were important <br /> in the early I980's when CO levels were regularly exceeded throughout California. In more <br /> recentY ears, CO measurements and modeling have not been a priority in most California air <br /> districts due to the retirement of older polluting vehicles, less emissions from new vehicles and <br /> improvements in fuels. The clear success in reducing CO levels is evident in the first paragraph of <br /> the executive summary of the California Air Resources Board 2004 Revision to the California <br /> State Implementation Plan for Carbon Monoxide Updated Maintenance Plan for Ten Federal <br /> Planning Areas(ARB,2004), shown below: <br /> « v- <br /> The dramatic reduction in carbon monoxide(CO)levels across California is one of the <br /> biggest success stories in air pollution control.Air Resources Board(ARB or Board) <br /> requirements for cleaner vehicles,equipment and fuels have cut peak CO levels in half <br /> since 1980,despite growth. All areas of the State designated as non-attainment for the <br /> federal 8-hour CO standard in 1991 now attain the standard, including the Los Angeles <br /> urbanized area.Even the Calexico area of Imperial County on the congested Mexican -- <br /> border had no violations of the federal CO standard in 2003. Only the South Coast and <br /> Calexico continue to violate the more protective State 8-hour CO standard, with declining <br /> levels beginning to approach that standard." <br /> Respirable Particulate Matter(PM10 and PM2.5).PM10 and PM2.5 consist of particulate matter <br /> that is 10 microns or less in diameter and 2.5 microns or less in diameter,respectively. (A micron <br /> is one-millionth of a meter). PM10 and PM2.5 represent fractions of particulate matter that can be <br /> inhaled into the air passages and the lungs and can cause adverse health effects. Some sources <br /> of particulate matter,such as wood burning in fireplaces,demolition,and construction activities, <br /> are more local in nature,while others,such as vehicular traffic,have a more regional effect. Very <br /> small particles of certain substances (e.g., sulfates and nitrates)can cause lung damage directly, <br /> or can contain adsorbed-gases (e.g., chlorides or ammonium)that may be injurious to health. <br /> Particulates also can damage materials and reduce visibility.Large dust particles(diameter greater <br /> than 10 microns)settle out rapidly and are easily filtered by human breathing passages. This large <br /> dust is of more concern as a soiling nuisance rather than a health hazard.The remaining fraction, <br /> PM 10 and PM2.5, are a health concern particularly at levels above the federal and state ambient <br /> air quality standards.PM2.5(including diesel exhaust particles)is thought to have greater effects <br /> on health, because these particles are so small and thus,are able to penetrate to the deepest parts F <br /> of the lungs. Scientific studies have suggested links between fine particulate matter and numerous <br /> health problems including asthma,bronchitis, acute and chronic respiratory symptoms such <br /> as shortness of breath andainful breathing.Recent studies have shown an association between <br /> p g <br /> morbidity and mortality and daily concentrations of particulate matter in the air. Children are more . <br /> susceptible to the health risks of PM10 and PM2.5 because their immune and respiratory systems , <br /> are still developing. <br /> Mortality studies since the 1990s have shown a statistically significant direct association between <br /> �r <br /> mortality (premature deaths) and daily concentrations of particulate matter in the air. Despite <br /> important gaps in scientific knowledge and continued reasons for some skepticism,a comprehensive <br /> evaluation of the research findings provides persuasive evidence that exposure to fine particulate <br /> Munn 8 Perkins Quarry Excavation Permit 3.3-4 ESA 1211086 <br /> Draft EIR April 2011 <br /> C. <br />