Air District releases annual Air Toxics Report and online Facility Toxic Emissions and Prioritization Tool

The tool and report will help address community concerns and enhance reporting and public engagement practices under the Air Toxics “Hot Spots” Information and Assessment Act of 1987. The map tool and report are key components of a recent landmark agreement between the Air District and the Environmental Democracy Project.

Toxic Air Contaminants are air pollutants that are known to cause or contribute to adverse health impacts. Exposure may lead to temporary minor conditions, such as eye or skin irritation, permanent injury, or more serious diseases, including cancer.

Each year, the Air District collects information and estimates toxic air contaminant emissions from permitted facilities. The Air District uses this information to ensure that facilities comply with Air District rules and regulations and determines whether further evaluation is warranted. The new online Facility Toxic Emissions and Prioritization Tool provides the public with an easy way to view toxic air contaminant emissions and associated potential health impacts for all permitted facilities within the Bay Area.

In addition, the 2024 Toxics Annual Report identifies industrial facilities that pose cancer risks and other health threats. It includes information about each facility’s toxic air pollutant emissions and will be distributed to county boards of supervisors, city councils, and local health officials.

The Air District will continue to work closely with community stakeholders to ensure that residents living near industrial facilities are well-informed about health risks from emissions.

View press release(202 Kb PDF, 2 pgs, posted 2024/10/2).