Detailed Breakdown of Detected Chemicals from 3.4.25
Benzene
- Concentration: 1.3 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.15 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and skin/eye 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: 2.0 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.78 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness.
- Long-term exposure: Neurological effects, cognitive impairment, and potential reproductive harm.
- Common Sources:
- Gasoline fumes and vehicle exhaust.
- Emissions from petrochemical facilities, paint, and adhesives.
n-Hexane
- Concentration: 1.1 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.74 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Headaches, dizziness, nausea.
- Long-term exposure: Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscle weakness, vision impairment.
- Common Sources:
- Gasoline and crude oil processing.
- Industrial emissions from manufacturing solvents and degreasers.
- Vehicle exhaust.
Ethanol
- Concentration: 20 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 7.5 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Mild eye, nose, and throat irritation.
- Long-term exposure: Generally low toxicity in outdoor air, but chronic high exposure could affect the nervous system and liver function.
- Common Sources:
- Vehicle exhaust (as ethanol is a fuel additive in gasoline).
- Industrial emissions from chemical manufacturing, printing, and pharmaceuticals.
- Fermentation processes (breweries, distilleries, and landfills).
- Cleaning products and disinfectants.
2-Propanol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
- Concentration: 1.5 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 1.5 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Eye, nose, and throat irritation.
- Long-term exposure: High concentrations may cause dizziness, nausea, and central nervous system depression.
- Fire hazard: Highly flammable in enclosed spaces.
- Common Sources:
- Cleaning and disinfecting products.
- Industrial processes (paints, coatings, solvents).
- Vehicle emissions and fuel blends.
Carbon Tetrachloride
- Concentration: 0.41 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.15 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Dizziness, nausea, and potential liver/kidney damage.
- Long-term exposure: Possible human carcinogen – linked to liver failure, kidney disease, and neurological issues.
- Common Sources:
- Industrial solvents and degreasers (though largely phased out).
- Breakdown product from chemical manufacturing or hazardous waste disposal.
- Soil and groundwater contamination from old spills or leaks.
d-Limonene
- Concentration: 0.52 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.26 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. This compound is also released by vegetation such as trees.
- Health Risks:
- Can cause skin and respiratory irritation at high levels.
- 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.
- Emissions from household or consumer products.
Dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12)
- Concentration: 2.9 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 1.4 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:
- Contributes to ozone depletion and global warming.
- At high concentrations, exposure can cause dizziness, nausea, and potential cardiac effects.
- Common Sources:
- Old refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and industrial emissions.
- Possible leakages from older air conditioning or refrigeration systems.
Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride)
- Concentration: 1.1 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.3 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Dizziness, confusion, nausea, and respiratory irritation.
- Long-term exposure: Neurological effects, liver and kidney damage, and potential reproductive toxicity.
- Common Sources:
- Industrial emissions from chemical production.
- Byproduct of burning biomass, plastics, or fossil fuels.
- Found in some refrigerants and solvents.
Acetone
- Concentration: 22 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 7.3 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness.
- Long-term exposure: Potential central nervous system depression with prolonged high-level inhalation.
- Common Sources:
- Industrial emissions from manufacturing paints, coatings, and plastics.
- Nail polish removers, cleaning products, and adhesives.
- Vehicle exhaust and combustion byproducts.
Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11)
- Concentration: 1.1 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.72 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:
- Ozone depletion contributor, increasing UV radiation exposure.
- High concentrations may cause dizziness, nausea, and liver/kidney damage.
- Common Sources:
- Old refrigerants, industrial solvents, and banned aerosol products.
- Possible leaks from outdated cooling systems or chemical waste sites.
Tetrachloroethene (PCE, Perchloroethylene)
- Concentration: 0.27 µg/m³ (Above MRL of 0.16 µg/m³)
- Health Risks:
- Short-term exposure: Dizziness, drowsiness, and skin irritation.
- Long-term exposure: Probable human carcinogen, linked to liver/kidney damage and neurological effects.
- Common Sources:
- Dry cleaning solvents, degreasers, and industrial metal cleaning.
- Groundwater contamination from improper disposal.
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.