South Coast AQMD Reports Over 50 Percent Reduction in Toxic Air Pollution

December 16th, 2014 by Fiedler Group

According to a study conducted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), reductions in toxic emissions from air pollution in the South Coast Air Basin have reduced its residents’ cancer risk by more than 50 percent.

Toxic air pollutants are known to cause cancer and other health effects.

In the fourth MATES study, levels of 37 gaseous and air toxins were measured — from benzene, lead, and diesel particulates — at monitoring stations across the Basin.

While the risks from air toxins are still very high, the report showed a reduction of approximately 50 to 70 percent between 2005 and 2012.

According to the report, the region’s average cancer risk due to air pollution declined from 1,194 in 1 million as reported in 2005, to 418 in 1 million — which was identified near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The lowest risks were found in central and south Orange County, southwest Riverside County, and the Coachella Valley.

In 1987, SCAQMD initiated Multiple Air Toxins Exposure Studies (MATES), in order to identify and better understand the levels and types of air toxins in the Basin.

To learn more about the MATES study, visit aqmd.gov.