East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, West Commerce Community Air Quality Report

Not all people are impacted by air pollution the same way. Some people, such as children, older members of the community, those with chronic medical conditions, and others who are more sensitive to certain pollutants and may experience negative health effects from smaller increases in air pollution – even if levels are below regulatory thresholds. We studied schools, healthcare facilities, early learning and childcare centers, parks, libraries, community centers, and public housing projects to learn about their typical air quality and potential exposure.

There are thousands of regulated facilities in the Greater Los Angeles Area – facilities that need to self-report their emissions to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act. What did we typically find in the air near these locations? What sensitive populations are nearby? Here you can explore metal processors, warehouses, waste management facilities, auto body shops, chemical plants, rendering facilities and nearby air quality.

Diesel emissions are harmful to human health and considered an air toxic, a category of pollutants linked to lung cancer as well as respiratory and heart problems. We identify areas where elevated diesel emissions may affect human and environmental health at the hyperlocal level.

Here, we examine areas in the community with elevated ambient methane concentrations, above the typical background level. The indicator reveals methane from multiple sources, for example: gas lines, landfills, oil and gas wells, and sewage. A potent greenhouse gas, methane has a significant effect on global climate change and can pose local safety risks when associated with natural gas distribution leaks.

Important traffic pollutants that Aclima measured include black carbon and criteria pollutants: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter. These emissions most adversely affect the health of young children, older residents, and those with pre-existing conditions, but pose health risks for everyone. Areas of high traffic pollution where exposure reduction would benefit the most sensitive are often located near schools, childcare centers, community centers, libraries, parks, and public housing.

The PMI enables air regulators, community members, researchers, and health professionals to see hyperlocal variations in typical concentrations of PM_2.5. Inhaling microscopic fine particulate matter has been known to increase the likelihood of negative health effects ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular problems to an increased risk of developing cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, and reduced life expectancy.

Aclima is currently completing analysis and visualizations for additional stories that will be posted here. Check back soon!