Detailed Breakdown of Detected Chemicals from 2.4.25
Benzene
- Concentration: 0.63 µg/m³
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, eye/skin irritation.
- Long-term exposure: Carcinogenic – linked to leukemia, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues.
- EPA & WHO Classifications: Known human carcinogen
- Common Sources:
- Emissions from petrochemical plants, refineries, and industrial sites.
- Vehicle exhaust and gasoline vapors.
- Burning of plastics or fossil fuels.
Toluene
- Concentration: 0.90 µg/m³
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Irritation of eyes/nose/throat, headaches, dizziness.
- Long-term exposure: Neurological effects, cognitive impairment, potential reproductive harm.
- Common Sources:
- Gasoline fumes and vehicle exhaust.
- Emissions from petrochemical facilities, paint, and adhesives.
n-Hexane
- Concentration: 1.3 µg/m³
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Headaches, nausea, dizziness.
- Long-term exposure: Neuropathy (nerve damage), muscle weakness, vision impairment.
- Common Sources:
- Found in gasoline and crude oil processing.
- Industrial emissions from manufacturing solvents and degreasers.
Ethanol
- Concentration: 17 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 6.8 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Mild irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Long-term exposure: Generally considered low toxicity in outdoor air, but chronic high-level exposure could impact the nervous system and liver function.
- Fire hazard: Ethanol is highly flammable, so high concentrations in enclosed spaces may pose a risk.
- Common Sources:
- Vehicle exhaust (ethanol is a common fuel additive in gasoline).
- Industrial emissions from chemical manufacturing, printing, and pharmaceuticals.
- Fermentation processes (breweries, distilleries, and even landfills can emit ethanol vapors).
- Cleaning products and disinfectants (ethanol is commonly used in sanitizers and industrial solvents).
2-Propanol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
- Concentration: 2.9 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 1.3 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation at elevated levels.
- Long-term exposure: Prolonged inhalation of high concentrations may cause dizziness, nausea, and central nervous system depression.
- Fire hazard: Highly flammable in high concentrations.
- Common Sources:
- Cleaning and disinfecting products (widely used in hospitals, homes, and industrial facilities).
- Industrial processes (found in paints, coatings, and solvents).
- Vehicle emissions (present in some fuel blends and exhaust).
- Evaporation from consumer products (hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, aerosols).
Carbon Tetrachloride
- Concentration: 0.40 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.13 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Dizziness, nausea, liver/kidney damage.
- Long-term exposure: Possible human carcinogen – linked to liver failure, kidney disease, and neurological issues.
- Common Sources:
- Industrial solvents and degreasers (although largely phased out in the U.S.).
- Breakdown product from chemical manufacturing or hazardous waste disposal.
- Soil & groundwater contamination from old spills or leaks.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – CFC-12 & CFC-11
- Concentrations:
- CFC-12: 2.2 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.65 µg/m³)
- CFC-11: 1.1 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.65 µg/m³)
- US Agencies haven’t set thresholds for health risks because of the low toxicity of this compound, though there are environmental concerns associated with its release.
- Health & Environmental Risks:
- CFCs deplete the ozone layer, leading to increased UV exposure and climate impacts.
- High exposure may cause dizziness, cardiac issues, and liver/kidney damage.
- Common Sources:
- Old refrigerants, industrial emissions, or illegal waste disposal.
- Possible leakages from older cooling systems or abandoned chemical sites.
d-Limonene
- Concentration: 2.7 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 1.3 µg/m³)
- US Agencies haven’t set thresholds for health risks because of the low toxicity of this compound, though there are environmental concerns associated with its release.
- Health Risks:
- Can cause skin and respiratory irritation at high levels.
- Low toxicity, but may react with other pollutants to form secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), contributing to air pollution and smog.
- Common Sources:
- Found in cleaning products, air fresheners, and citrus-based solvents.
- May indicate household or consumer product emissions.
This sampling update was written by Emily Klein, Program Manager for Project SPOTlight with Breathe Project. Her work supports Beaver County residents in understanding how the petrochemical buildout has impacted air quality and health outcomes in the region. Emily partners closely with community members to distribute air monitors that provide real-time, localized data residents can use to better understand the air they’re breathing. She holds a master’s degree in Global Health from Duke University, where she conducted air quality research in both Mongolia and Los Angeles. Prior to that, she worked for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, managing community partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally from Pittsburgh, Emily also holds a BA in Urban Studies and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about connecting people to the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to advocate for their health and create change in their communities.
Join us on Monday, March 31 at 6 PM to ask questions about this report, hear updates on air quality data in Beaver County, and learn how to get a FREE PurpleAir monitor for your home!