Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community (BAAEC) 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 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 examined sensitive sites like schools, healthcare facilities, early learning and childcare centers, parks, a library, and  community centers. We did this to learn about their typical air quality and potential exposure from diesel emissions associated with truck routes, general traffic emissions, and commercial areas and manufacturing facilities, Quemetco battery recycling center, the three freeways, the nearby landfill, and potentially other emissions sources.

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 stationary source locations in BAAEC? What sensitive populations are nearby? Here we we measured pollution block by block to explore pollution near truck routes, warehouses, the Quemetco battery recycling center, the Puente Hills Landfill near the community, the recycling facility (Puente Hills Material Recovery Facility), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant, the Vineland Swap Meet, and various other commercial and manufacturing areas (shopping centers, businesses), and manufacturing facilities. Three freeways, one each to the north, west, and south are also a concern to the community and contribute to pollution in the area.

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 emissions from diesel sources are likely present at the hyperlocal level and may affect human and environmental health. The DPI is not designed to denote specific health outcomes, but may suggest a higher potential risk especially to sensitive individuals.

Here, we see 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, 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 like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter. Although these emissions most adversely affect the health of young children, older residents, and those with pre-existing conditions, they pose health risks for everyone at low prolonged levels. In this report, we identify where emissions from traffic are likely present at the hyperlocal level. The TPI is not designed to denote specific health outcomes, but may suggest a higher potential risk especially to sensitive individuals.

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. The PMI is not designed to denote specific health outcomes, but may suggest a higher potential risk especially to sensitive individuals.

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