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SAN LEANDRO SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT DRAFT EIR <br />CITY OF SAN LEANDRO <br />AIR QUALITY <br />Some particulate matter, such as pollen, occurs naturally. In the Air Basin most particulate matter is <br />caused by combustion, factories, construction, grading, demolition, agricultural activities, and motor <br />vehicles. Extended exposure to particulate matter can increase the risk of chronic respiratory disease. <br />PM10 bypasses the body's natural filtration system more easily than larger particles and can lodge <br />deep in the lungs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientific review concluded that <br />PM2.5 penetrates even more deeply into the lungs, and this is more likely to contribute to health <br />effects—at concentrations well below current PM10 standards. These health effects include premature <br />death in people with heart or lung disease, non-fatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated <br />asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms (e.g., irritation of the airways, <br />coughing, or difficulty breathing). Motor vehicles are currently responsible for about half of <br />particulates in the Air Basin. Wood burning in fireplaces and stoves is another large source of fine <br />particulates." <br />Both PM10 and PM2.5 may adversely affect the human respiratory system, especially in people who are <br />naturally sensitive or susceptible to breathing problems. These health effects include premature <br />death; increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits (primarily the elderly and individuals <br />with cardiopulmonary disease); increased respiratory symptoms and disease (children and individual <br />with asthma); and alterations in lung tissue and structure and in respiratory tract defense <br />mechanisms.12 There has been emerging evidence that even smaller particulates with an aerodynamic <br />diameter of <0.1 microns or less (i.e., <_0.1 millionths of a meter or <0.000004 inch), known as <br />ultrafine particulates (UFPs), have human health implications, because UFPs toxic components may <br />initiate or facilitate biological processes that may lead to adverse effects to the heart, lungs, and other <br />organs. However, the EPA and California Air Resources Board have yet to adopt AAQS to regulate <br />these particulates. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is also classified a carcinogen by the CARB. The Air <br />Basin is designated nonattainment under the California AAQS for PM10 and nonattainment under both <br />the California and National AAQS for PM2.5. 13,14 <br />■ Ozone (03) is commonly referred to as "smog" and is a gas that is formed when ROGs and NO, both <br />by-products of internal combustion engine exhaust, undergo photochemical reactions in the presence <br />of sunlight. 03 is a secondary criteria air pollutant. 03 concentrations are generally highest during the <br />summer months when direct sunlight, light winds, and warm temperatures create favorable <br />conditions to the formation of this pollutant. 03 poses a health threat to those who already suffer <br />from respiratory diseases as well as to healthy people. 03 levels usually build up during the day and <br />peak in the afternoon hours. Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes and cause constriction of the <br />airways. Besides causing shortness of breath, it can aggravate existing respiratory diseases such as <br />asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Chronic exposure to high ozone levels can permanently damage <br />" Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), 2010 (Revised 2011). Appendix C: Sample Air Quality Setting, in <br />California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines. <br />"South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), 2005. Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in <br />General Plans and Local Planning. <br />13 California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2014, Area Designations: Activities and Maps, http://www.arb.ca.gov/desig/ <br />adm/adm.htm, June. <br />14 On January 9, 2013, the EPA issued a final rule to determine that the SFBAAB has attained the 24-hour PM2.5 National <br />AAQS. This action suspends federal State Implementation Plan planning requirements for the Bay Area. The SFBAAB will continue <br />to be designated nonattainment for the National 24-hour PM2.5 standard until such time as BAAQMD elects to submit a <br />redesignation request and a maintenance plan to EPA and EPA approves the proposed redesignation. <br />4.2-6 DECEMBER 2014 <br />