The Battle for Clean Air: Colorado Takes a Stand Against Toxic Pollutants
The Globeville, Elyria-Swansea, and Commerce City communities in metro Denver are plagued by air pollution from nearby highways, an oil refinery, and a Superfund site.
While these neighborhoods have long suffered from air pollution, they’re not the only ones in Colorado. For the first time, the state is developing its own state-level air toxic health standards.
Communities Know What Needs Regulation
In your own community, is there a highway that runs near your house or a factory with a bad odor? Maybe a gas station right around the corner? You likely already know many of the places that release air pollution near you.
When state or local regulators work with community members to find out what air pollution sources communities are worried about, the partnership can lead to a system that better serves the public and reduces injustice.
How is Air Quality Protected?
At the national level, the Clean Air Act requires that six common air pollutants, such as ozone and carbon monoxide, are kept below specific levels. The act also regulates 188 hazardous air pollutants.
Individual states are free to develop their own regulations, and several, including California and Minnesota, already have. States can set standards that are more health-protective than those in place nationally.
Air Toxics and Health
The five air toxics that Colorado selected all have negative impacts on health. Four are known to cause cancer.
Benzene, perhaps the most well-known because of its ability to cause blood cancer, is one. But it also has a number of other health impacts, including dampening the ability of the immune system and impacting the reproductive system by decreasing sperm count.
Conclusion
Colorado’s new regulations will draw on expert knowledge and community input to protect people’s health. The state’s decision to prioritize air toxics is a crucial step in reducing health risks for communities affected by pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are air toxics?
A: Air toxics are chemicals that can cause serious health problems, including cancer, and can have long-term effects on the body.
Q: What are the five air toxics that Colorado has prioritized?
A: Benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium compounds, and hydrogen sulfide.
Q: What are the sources of air toxics in Colorado?
A: Air toxics can come from a variety of sources, including oil refineries, factories, and vehicle emissions.
Q: How can I get involved in protecting my community from air pollution?
A: You can contact your local government representatives, attend public hearings, and participate in community organizations that focus on environmental issues.
