Air: Toxics


What is It?  
Why Should Our Community Care, and What Can We Do?  
Resources  
 
 What is It?

Air toxics are a group of air pollutants known or suspected to cause serious health problems such as cancer, birth defects, lung damage, and nerve damage. Examples of air toxics include asbestos, benzene, chloroform, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, nickel compounds, and perchloroethylene.

 
 Why Should Our Community Care, and What Can We Do?
  1. Local governments should have an understanding of the following so that long-term strategic decisions can be made about projects and how they may impact a community:
   
The types of air toxics associated with a project
How the air toxics are regulated by local, state, and federal agencies
Any air toxic exemptions a project may have from state and federal regulations
  2. Prior to approval, projects should be assessed for potential issues with air toxics, which may include the following:
   

Hazardous Air Pollutants

Asbestos

Mercury

Lead

    After project assessment, evaluate the potential impact to your community and develop management plans.
  3. Plan ahead.  These activities can reduce emissions of air pollutants, including air toxics:
   

Encourage employees and citizens to drive less. Many air toxics, like benzene, come from motor vehicle exhaust. Encourage carpooling, use public transportation, combine trips, avoid drive-throughs, drive the speed limit, keep your vehicle well turned and in proper working condition.

Provide alternatives to open burning of trash, leaves, or other yard wastes by implementing a community compost or wood recycling program. Provide alternatives to burning of plastics by offering a community recycling program.

Avoid using products containing toxic compounds and encourage community members to do the same.

  4. Local governments have the authority to implement ordinances that help prevent the release of air toxics beyond state and federal laws and regulations. Determine what is best for the health and welfare of your community.
 
 Resources
Need a permit?
Have a question?

EPA Asbestos Web page

Idaho Chemical Roundup Program

National Lead Free Wheel Weight Initiative

For more information on air toxics, visit DEQ's Air Toxics Web page.