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Administrative Draft Environmental Impact Report Gill Medical Center Project the surface-based inversions but generally result in more severe air stagnation.The surface-based inversions occur more frequently in the fall, and the stronger elevated inversions usually occur during December and January.These naturally occurring conditions can make local air quality significantly worse than they would be without the inversions and the stagnation created by regional weather and topography. 4.5.1.2 Criteria Air Pollutants Criteria air pollutants are defined as those pollutants for which the federal and state governments have established air quality standards for outdoor or ambient concentrations to protect public health with a determined margin of safety. Ozone (03), coarse particulate matter(PM10), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are generally considered to be regional pollutants because they or their precursors affect air quality on a regional scale. Pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are considered to be local pollutants because they tend to accumulate in the air locally. PM is also considered a local pollutant. Health effects commonly associated with criteria pollutants are summarized in Table 4.5-1. Table 4.5-1. Criteria Air Pollutants-Summary of Common Sources and Effects Pollutant Major Manmade Sources Human Health &Welfare Effects CO An odorless,colorless gas formed when carbon in fuel Reduces the ability of blood to deliver oxygen to vital is not burned completely;a component of motor tissues,effecting the cardiovascular and nervous system. vehicle exhaust. Impairs vision,causes dizziness,and can lead to unconsciousness or death. NO2 A reddish-brown gas formed during fuel combustion Respiratory irritant;aggravates lung and heart problems. for motor vehicles,energy utilities and industrial Precursor to ozone and acid rain.Causes brown sources. discoloration of the atmosphere. O3 Formed by a chemical reaction between reactive Irritates and causes inflammation of the mucous organic gases(ROGs)and nitrous oxides(N20)in the membranes and lung airways;causes wheezing, presence of sunlight.Common sources of these coughing and pain when inhaling deeply;decreases lung precursor pollutants include motor vehicle exhaust, capacity;aggravates lung and heart problems.Damages industrial emissions,solvents,paints and landfills. plants;reduces crop yield. PM10&PM2.® Power plants,steel mills,chemical plants,unpaved Increased respiratory symptoms,such as irritation of the roads and parking lots,wood-burning stoves and airways,coughing,or difficulty breathing;aggravated fireplaces,automobiles and others. asthma;development of chronic bronchitis;irregular heartbeat;nonfatal heart attacks;and premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Impairs visibility(haze). S02 A colorless,nonflammable gas formed when fuel Respiratory irritant.Aggravates lung and heart problems. containing sulfur is burned.Examples are refineries, Can damage crops and natural vegetation. Impairs cement manufacturing,and locomotives. visibility. Source: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association(CAPCOA 2013) Air Quality 4.5-2 October 2021