North Shore AIR

Executive Summary continued: Priorities for Toxic Reductions

Based on the NSAIR collected data, including 1999 EPA data and risk analysis for health effects from chemical releases and sources that release them, combined with priorities set by the public for chemical reductions-the following targets for reduction were identified:  

1. Mobile Sources (on and off road) due to their contribution to 8 of the top 10 risk chemicals (Benzene-92%, Lead-64%, 1,3- Butadiene-97%, Carbon  Monoxide-89%, Nitrogen Oxides-61%, VOCs-46%, Acrolein-67%, Napthalene-31%.)
2. Reductions of Fossil Fuel Use at Salem Power plant due to its contribution to 4 of the top 10 risk chemicals (Lead, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxide, and Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthlate.)
3. Consumer products containing 3 of the top 10 risk chemicals (Carbon Tetrachloride , Tetrachloroethylene, and Naphthalene.)
4. Drycleaners due to their contribution to 70% of the Tetrachloroethylene use.
5. Gasoline Service Stations due to contributions to Benzene (largest risk chemical -although Gas Stations are small % of contribution) and Naphthalene.

In addition to the priorities identified in our risk ranking efforts,  a local printing company and two dry cleaners were identified as having higher than State average air emissions for their business type according to information self-reported and provided by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP). 

Finally, while the method used by this report and by the EPA to determine chemical reduction priorities takes into account known data, what may be even more important is data that is unknown.  Since indoor air pollution is estimated to be more significant than outdoor air pollution, and consumer products are seen as the primary cause of indoor air pollution (as well as outdoor area sources), it follows that important next steps would be to collect data on sources of indoor air pollution and to reduce toxic air pollutants in consumer products.  These steps should be a top goal in the effort to reduce the overall health effects of air pollutants.