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

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   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.

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