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General Plan Update - City of Inglewood

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Chapter 5 Environmental Resources<br />

matter also forms when gases emitted from industries and motor vehicles undergo<br />

chemical reactions in the atmosphere. PM 10 and PM 2.5 represent fractions <strong>of</strong><br />

particulate matter. Inhalable particulate matter (PM 10 ) refers to particulate matter 10<br />

microns or less in diameter, about one/seventh the thickness <strong>of</strong> a human hair. Fine<br />

particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in<br />

diameter, roughly 1/28th the diameter <strong>of</strong> a human hair. Major sources <strong>of</strong> PM 10<br />

include crushing or grinding operations; dust stirred up by vehicles traveling on<br />

roads; wood burning stoves and fireplaces; dust from construction, landfills, and<br />

agriculture; wildfires and brush/waste burning; industrial sources; windblown dust<br />

from open lands; and atmospheric chemical and photochemical reactions. PM 2.5<br />

results from fuel combustion (from motor vehicles, power generation, and<br />

industrial facilities), residential fireplaces, and wood stoves. In addition, PM 2.5 can<br />

be formed in the atmosphere from gases, such as SO 2 , NO X , and VOC.<br />

• Nitrogen Dioxide, like ozone is not directly emitted into the atmosphere, but is<br />

formed by an atmospheric chemical reaction between nitric oxide (NO) and<br />

atmospheric oxygen. NO and NO 2 are collectively referred to as nitrogen oxides<br />

(NO X ) and are major contributors to ozone formation. Nitrogen oxides are<br />

commonly produced by the combustion <strong>of</strong> fossil fuels, such as in internal<br />

combustion engines (both gasoline- and diesel-powered), as well as point sources,<br />

especially power plants. Of the seven types <strong>of</strong> nitrogen oxide compounds, NO 2 is<br />

the most abundant in the atmosphere. As ambient concentrations <strong>of</strong> NO 2 are<br />

related to traffic density, commuters in heavy traffic may be exposed to higher<br />

concentrations <strong>of</strong> NO 2 than those indicated by regional monitors.<br />

• Sulfur Dioxide enters the atmosphere as a pollutant mainly as a result <strong>of</strong> burning<br />

high sulfur-content fuel oils and coal and from chemical processes occurring at<br />

chemical plants and refineries. When sulfur dioxide oxidizes in the atmosphere, it<br />

forms sulfates (SO 4 ). Together, these pollutants are referred to as sulfur oxides<br />

(SO X ).<br />

• Lead occurs in the atmosphere as particulate matter. The combustion <strong>of</strong> leaded<br />

gasoline is the primary source <strong>of</strong> airborne lead in the Basin. The use <strong>of</strong> leaded<br />

gasoline is no longer permitted for on-road motor vehicles so most such<br />

combustion emissions are associated with <strong>of</strong>f-road vehicles such as racecars. Other<br />

sources <strong>of</strong> lead include the manufacturing and recycling <strong>of</strong> batteries, paint, ink,<br />

ceramics, ammunition, and secondary lead smelters.<br />

• Toxic Air Contaminants refer to a diverse group <strong>of</strong> air pollutants that are capable <strong>of</strong><br />

causing chronic (i.e., <strong>of</strong> long duration) and acute (i.e., severe but <strong>of</strong> short duration)<br />

adverse effects on human health. They include both organic and inorganic chemical<br />

substances that may be emitted from a variety <strong>of</strong> common sources, including<br />

gasoline stations, motor vehicles, dry cleaners, industrial operations, painting<br />

operations, and research and teaching facilities. TACs are different than “criteria<br />

pollutants” in that ambient air quality standards have not been established for<br />

TACs, largely because there are hundreds <strong>of</strong> air toxics and their effects on health<br />

tend to be localized rather than regional.<br />

Health Effects <strong>of</strong> Pollutants<br />

Exposure to air pollution causes a variety <strong>of</strong> health issues. Some air pollutants result in<br />

chronic (i.e., <strong>of</strong> long duration) or acute (i.e., severe but <strong>of</strong> short duration). In some cases,<br />

5.6-6<br />

<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Inglewood</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>Update</strong> Technical Background Report

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