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4.1 – Air Quality Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2021 14800 W. Schulte Road Logistics Center 4.1-4 contaminants (TACs), are discussed in the following paragraphs.2 In California, sulfates, vinyl chloride, hydrogen sulfide, and visibility-reducing particles are also regulated as criteria air pollutants. A more detailed discussion of health effects of criteria air pollutants is provided in Appendix B. Ozone. O3 in the troposphere causes numerous adverse health effects; short -term exposures (lasting for a few hours) to O 3 at levels typically observed in the region can result in breathing pattern changes, reduction of breathing capacity, respiratory symptoms, worsening o f lung disease leading to premature death, increased susceptibility to infections, inflammation of and damage to the lung tissue, and some immunological changes (CARB 2019a; EPA 2013). These health problems are particularly acute in sensitive receptors suc h as the sick, older adults, and young children. Inhalation of O3 causes inflammation and irritation of the tissues lining human airways, causing and worsening a variety of symptoms. Exposure to O3 can reduce the volume of air that the lungs breathe in and cause shortness of breath. O3 in sufficient doses increases the permeability of lung cells, rendering them more susceptible to toxins and microorganisms. The occurrence and severity of health effects from O3 exposure vary widely among individuals, even when the dose and the duration of exposure are the same. Research shows adults and children who spend more time outdoors participating in vigorous physical activities are at greater risk from the harmful health effects of O3 exposure. Although there are relatively few studies of O3’s effects on children, the available studies show that children are no more or less likely to suffer harmful effects than adults. However, there are a number of reasons why children may be more susceptible to O3 and other pollutants. Children and teens spend nearly twice as much time outdoors and engaged in vigorous activities as adults. Children breathe more rapidly than adults and inhale more pollution per pound of their body weight than adults. Also, children are less likely than adults to notice their own symptoms and avoid harmful exposures. Further research may be able to better distinguish between health effects in children and adults. Children, adolescents, and adults who exercise or work outdoors, where O3 concentrations are the highest, are at the greatest risk of harm from this pollutant (CARB 2019a). A number of population groups are potentially at increased risk for O 3 exposure effects. In the ongoing review of O3, the EPA has identified populations as having increased ri sk from O3 exposures: individuals with asthma, younger and older age groups, individuals with reduced intake of certain nutrients such as Vitamins C and E, and outdoor workers. There is suggestive evidence for other potential factors, such as variations in genes related to oxidative metabolism or inflammation, gender, socioeconomic status, and obesity. However further evidence is needed (SCAQMD 2017). The adverse effects reported with short-term O3 exposure are greater with increased activity because activity increases the breathing rate and the volume of air reaching the lungs, resulting in an increased amount of O 3 reaching the lungs (SCAQMD 2017). Nitrogen Dioxide. A large body of health science literature indicates that exposure to NO2 can induce adverse health effects. The strongest health evidence, and the health basis for the ambient air quality standards for NO2, results from controlled human exposure studies that show that NO2 can intensify responses to allergens in allergic asthmatics. In addition, a number of epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between NO 2 exposure and premature death, cardiopulmonary effects, decreased lung function growth in children, respiratory symptoms, emergency room visits for asthma, and intensified allergic responses. Infants and children are particularly at risk because they have disproportionately higher exposure to NO2 than adults due to their greater 2 The descriptions of each of the criteria air pollutants and associated health effects are based on the EPA’s Criteria Air Pollutants (EPA 2016) and the CARB Glossary of Air Pollutant Terms (CARB 2016a).