PHILADELPHIA Air Toxics Project A cooperative effort of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Philadelphia to reduce air toxics. Funded by the EPA. Goals: => Develop a better understanding of the air toxics problem and the associated health risks => Estimate how much health risks are reduced by expected controls => Provide information to the public about air toxics => Promote the reduction of emissions to both indoor and outdoor air We are: • Encouraging owners of diesel powered vehicles to use cleaner diesel fuels and emission control devices • Reducing air toxic emissions • Encouraging the use of public transportation through the Commuter Choice Program (http://www.commuterchoice.gov) City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Air Management Services 321 University Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: (215)685-7585 Website: http://www.phila.gov/health/units/ams United States EPA/903-F-03-003 Environmental Protection April 2003 Agency Air Protection Division Philadelphia, PA 19103 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region III Air Protection Division 1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 Phone: (215)814-2111 Website: http://www.epa.gov/reg3artd Made from 100% post consumer pulp produced in a chlorine free pulping and bleaching process. PHILADELPHIA Air Toxics Project A voluntary initiative to reduce health and environmental risk from air toxics in Philadelphia and its surrounding communities ------- What Are Air Toxics? Who Emits Them? Air toxics are chemicals which can cause serious health effects in humans. Many cause cancer, while others cause respiratory problems, birth defects, neurological problems, immune system problems, or other health problems. => Air toxics include pollutants like: • Benzene found in gasoline • Diesel engine exhaust • Perchloroethylene from dry cleaners • Metallic emissions like mercury and chromium • Pesticide sprays • Tobacco smoke • Polycyclic organic matter emitted when fossil fuels are burned. => Air toxics are a concern in urban areas where air toxic sources and people are concentrated in the same geographic area. Cars, buses, trucks, and other "mobile sources" are the most significant source of air toxics in Philadelphia. => Industrial plants such as refineries and chemical plants, and commercial services such as dry cleaners and auto body paint shops also emit many air toxics. Y \^J [_J can make a difference. How You Can Help Reduce Air Toxics In Philadelphia Cars, trucks, and other vehicle exhausts contain many harmful pollutants, including air toxics. To help reduce air toxics emissions in the City: • Drive a high fuel mileage/low emissions car or other vehicle. • Use public transportation or car pool. • Bike or walk when taking short trips. • Avoid idling your vehicle. • Keep your car tuned-up and proper pressure in its tires. • Use manual or electric lawn equipment such as a reel push mower. How You Can Reduce Your Indoor Exposure to Air Toxics EPA has found that some air toxics are often found in buildings at higher levels than in the outdoor air. These air toxics are released into homes by some commonly used products. To avoid exposure to indoor air toxics: • Don't smoke indoors. • Carefully follow the label instructions and have adequate ventilation when using household cleaning products and pesticides. • Store gasoline in containers designed to prevent evaporation. • Minimize the use of paint strippers, adhesive removers, or aerosol spray paints. • Minimize the use of a dry cleaner. Air out clothes that have been dry cleaned before bringing them into your home. • Air out new kitchen cabinets or furniture made from pressed wood before placing them in your home. • Make sure your heating system is functioning properly and that its exhaust ducts and chimney are clean. ------- |