EPA 8-Hour environmental hazard awareness environmental ...



SlideInformationNotes1In the previous lesson, we have discussed releases that can occur and what can happen when releases are not controlled. During this lesson, we will discuss methods to control releases for specific EPA programs.To provide the class an opportunity to review the material discussed, ask the class to list at three of the following EPA acts listed below:CWASPCCSWPPPUnderground Inj. ControlFacility Response PlanCAAAir Pollution Prevention and ControlEmission Standards for Moving SourcesSDWACERCLAEPCRARCRAWaste ManagementUSTs and ASTsFIFRAPesticide ManagementToxic Chemical ManagementESATSCAOPAMention the specific programs to be discussed in reference to the list which are listed below the Acts above.2Lesson ObjectivesDuring this lesson, specific EPA programs in the areas of Health/Chemical, Land, Water and Air will be presented and discussed.3Health/ChemicalThe Health /Chemical standards under the EPA that have been discussed so far are the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This section will focus on two programs under EPA: Pesticide Management and Toxic Chemical Management.Instructor Note: List FIFRA, ESA and TSCA on the whiteboard and refer to the acts as needed.4Program: Health/ChemicalThe first program we will discuss is pesticide management. Under FIFRA, the EPA regulates specific elements of pesticide management. Also, the ESA grants the EPA authority to identify chemicals that could impact endangered species habitat or health.FIFRA was first passed in 1947 under the Dept. of Agriculture. This version of the act did not regulate pesticide use. Instead this act passed in 1947 focused on the effectiveness of a pesticide. Under the current version of FIFRA, the EPA regulates the use and sale of pesticides to protect human health and preserve the environment. This act covers substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate the following: Insecticides: insectsFungicides: molds and fungiRodenticides: mammalsSome of the key elements of FIFRA focus on the following: Registration/Classification; Worker Protection and Use/Application. We will briefly describe each of these elements.Registration/Classification: Pesticides used in the US must be registered with the EPA. The registration is specific in terms of use; hazards to domestic animals as well as humans and other specific data which provides information on its effect on people, water, air or animals. Pesticides are classified as being restricted or general use. When restricted chemicals are used, there are specific requirements for applicators. Applicators must be licensed to use restricted use pesticidesWorker Protection: The EPA has a worker protection standard for agricultural pesticides to reduce the risk of pesticides poisonings and injuries in agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. There are over 2.5 agricultural workers and pesticide handlers working at 600K agricultural establishments. The requirements for worker protection include pesticide safety training, PPE, decontamination supplies and emergency medical assistance.Use/Application: The worker protection standard covers (1) workers who mix, load or apply agricultural pesticides; clean or repair pesticide application equipment or those who assist with the application of pesticides AND (2) Agricultural workers who perform tasks related to plants on farms, greenhouses, nurseries or forests. 5Program: Health/ChemicalThe next program area to be discussed is Toxic Chemical Management. Since 1976, the EPA has the authority to require reporting, recordkeeping, testing and restrictions related to chemical substances under the Toxic Substances and Control Act. Since the EPA has been regulating TSCA, more than 70K toxic chemicals have been screened. This authority extends to the production, importation, use and disposal of specific chemicals which include:AsbestosLead Based PaintPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)RadonEach of these chemicals has health and environment impacts that are deadly and persistent. A brief discussion of each will be provided.Instructor Note: Ask the class if they have heard of any of these specific chemicals and ask them to describe what they have heard about them.6Programs: Health/ChemicalAsbestos: We will start with Asbestos. Asbestos has been used for more than 2,000 years because it has excellent acoustic and insulation properties. The picture shown here is a picture of asbestos in its raw form.During the industrial revolution in the late 1800s, asbestos was used as insulation for steam pipes, turbines, boilers, ovens and other high-temperature products. Around 1917 and 1918, asbestos workers seem to begin dying unnaturally young. In England, 25% of the asbestos workers were dying young of lung diseases.A direct relationship between asbestos exposures and the following diseases has been well documented: asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung disease and heart disease.7AsbestosThese four images show examples of asbestos. Asbestos in Tile Mastic: The image on the top left shows asbestos in tile mastic.Asbestos in Floor Tile: The image on the top right shows floor tile with asbestos.Asbestos in Wall Covering: The image on the bottom left shows sprayed on wall covering with asbestos.Asbestos Containment: The image on the bottom right shows an asbestos containment area where the worker is wearing appropriate PPE and the exhaust system.8Programs: Health/ChemicalAsbestos: Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act: The EPA established an asbestos abatement program for schools that require inspections of asbestos materials. In addition, the act has specific requirements for inspector training and abatement activities. These requirements apply to asbestos abatement activities in schools, commercial buildings and public buildings. To ensure the exposure monitoring at asbestos removal jobs is analyzed properly, the analytical laboratories must be accredited.In addition, AHERA requires workers to meet certain training requirements and the worksite is required to put certain controls in place to reduce worker exposures.9Programs: Health/ChemicalNext, we will discuss Lead-Based Paint EPA requirements. OSHA also has requirements for prevent worker exposures to lead. The focus of the EPA lead-based paint program is to reduce exposures to lead. Like asbestos, lead is also another product with incredible properties. For example, it is incredibly durable and has shielding properties to radiation because it is dense. However, lead can affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and reproduction system.In particular, it has been associated with the following health problems in children:Damage to the brain and nervous system Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity Slowed growth Hearing problems Headaches AnemiaAs a result of its hazards, lead-based paint is regulated by the EPA10Programs: Health/ChemicalDisclosure: This act is focused on Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) residential facilities and requires the disclosure of known lead paint hazards by persons selling or leasing a house built prior to 1978. The disclosure statement is to be provided by real estate agents/landlords/property managers/sellers.Removal: The EPA has also established requirements for personnel who work to remove lead paint or lead based paint. The workers who are involved in lead abatement activities must receive their training through an accredited program to receive the appropriate certifications.11Programs: Health/ChemicalPolychlorinated Biphenyls, or most commonly known as PCBs, were manufactured in the US from the 1920s to 1979. PCBs have properties that made them valuable. For example, non-flammable, chemically stable, high boiling point and electrical insulating properties. Also, PCBs can be found as plasticizers in paints, plastics and rubber products. They were used in carbonless copy paper too.However, these properties that make PCBs great also create hazards to people and the environment. PCBs do not break down and can be carried long distances. For example, they have been found in snow and sea water in areas far away from their release.PCBs have been demonstrated to cause cancer and have adverse effects on the immune system.12Programs: Health/ChemicalHere is a list of common PCB containing items:Fluorescent Light Ballasts – Prior to July 1979, electrical components commonly contained PCBs. In fluorescent light ballasts, there is a small capacitor that contains about a teaspoon of oil.Oil – Electrical equipment such as capacitors or transformers put into service were insulated using PCB oil prior to July 1979.Solid components – Due to its wide use in materials, PCBs may be found in items manufactured prior to July 1979. For example, PCB was used in plastics; molded rubber parts; applied dried paints, coatings or sealants; caulking; adhesives; paper; insulation; or felt used in gaskets.Waste – When buildings are demolished that have materials manufactured prior to July 1979, there is a high probability that the materials contain PCBs.Because of the risk associated with exposures to PCBs, these PCB containing components must be controlled.Management Plan:To prevent over-exposures to PCBs, any material containing more than 50 ppm of PCB must be controlled. The EPA requires companies with PCBs to manage this environmental hazard. To manage the PCBs, the employer must either remove the PCBs or manage them in place.Management of PCBs involves the employer controlling the materials until the component fails and disposing of PCB materials in the appropriate landfills as hazardous waste. 13Programs: Health/ChemicalLastly, we are going to discuss Radon. Radon is an odorless, cancer causing, radioactive gas. Radon is the number cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer.Radon is a gas that occurs from the natural decay of uranium which is found in soil. As it decays, the gas moves up through the ground and cracks or holes in your foundation. Also, radon can enter a home through well water.14Programs: Health/ChemicalRadon – The EPA has specific responsibilities for implementing the regulations for Radon which we will discuss briefly:HUD housing. The EPA has published a guide to be provided to home buyers. The guide provides home buyers information on radon that can used to determine the testing needed and the actions that may be needed afterwards.Drinking water. The EPA is charged with conducting studies to determine the health risks associated with water. Most of the health concerns relate to inhalation or ingestion.School. The EPA is conducting studies to determine the health risks associated with radon in schools and federal buildings.From an employer’s perspective, radon may need to be evaluated prior to purchasing new properties or the existing properties.15Radon ZonesMap of the US – This map shows where Radon can be found around the United States. There are locations in the US where radon is more commonly found than others. The yellow parts of the map are predicted to have an average indoor radon screening level of less than 2 picocuries/L or have a low potential. Conversely, the red areas of the map have the highest potential for average indoor radon levels of 4 picocuries/liter. In Texas, the levels of radon are relatively low except in counties like Llano and Mason in the middle of the state as well as areas around El Mason and Amarillo. Instructor note: Use examples of the map based on the state where the course is being taught similar to the example provided for Texas.16Environmental ProgramsWasteEvery day we produce waste. Not one day passes where we do not produce waste. With the amount of waste produced, it must be managed. [See instructor note] Waste can be disposed in a variety of ways. It can placed in the ground in a landfill. It can incinerated. Waste can be recycled. Also, waste can be composted.The majority of waste is placed in a landfill. Landfills take up space and land that could be used for building or to support nature. Also, when waste is not disposed of properly, the soil can become contaminated and may release hazardous waste into the water.To reduce the impact of waste on our land, it must be managed. During this section, we will discuss how the EPA expects waste to be managed. Instructor Note: Ask the class -Do you know what happens to the waste after you put it by your curb?17Programs: LandWaste Management – To determine how to dispose of waste, it must be characterize based on its properties. During the next couple of slides, we will discuss how the EPA expects the characterization to be performed.18Land: Waste Definition ANIMATION[This slide has animation to bring in the definition of waste and the types of waste into the view of the students after asking the class to define a waste.]A waste is an item/product that cannot be used for anything else or cannot be used for its intended purpose. For example, if a company has leftover paint in an unusual color after completing the job. The paint can be left with the customer for touch up. However, if the paint remains in your custody and cannot be used in the future it becomes a waste. As long as a material can be used for something, it is not a waste.Types – There are two types of wastes: hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. The definition of each is dependent on the properties of the waste.Hazardous waste takes on many physical forms which include gases, solids, semisolids or liquids.Instructor Note: Ask the class to define waste.19Land: Waste DeterminationHazardous Waste CharacterizationA waste is characterized based on its properties. It can be a listed waste, a characteristic waste, a universal waste or a mixed waste. The EPA has created these categories to assist employers in the identification of waste streams to ensure they are disposed of properly.Over the next couple of slides, we will review the ways in which hazardous waste is characterized.20Land: Waste DeterminationHazardous Waste Characterization – ListedA listed waste is as the name implies. It is listed. EPA has also developed a list of specific hazardous wastes. There are four lists which are shown here. The first two lists – P and U – are sub-lists of the discarded waste category. The P list has wastes that are considered acutely hazardous and U listed wastes are considered hazardous. Acutely hazardous wastes are especially dangerous to worker health because a short term exposure can have life threatening properties.F listed wastes are from non-specific source wastes. Most F listed wastes are found in manufacturing and industrial processes. A common F listed waste is a solvent that has been used for cleaning or degreasing.A K listed waste is the opposite of F listed wastes. K listed wastes are from specific industries. For example, sludge wastewater from treatment are examples of K listed wastes.21Land: Waste DeterminationHazardous Waste Characterization – CharacteristicA characteristic waste is categorized based on its characteristic. There are four characteristics in this category: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity. Ignitability: A waste may be considered hazardous if it is ignitable (i.e., burns readily), corrosive, or reactive (e.g., explosive). Toxicity: Waste may also be considered hazardous if it contains certain amounts of toxic chemicals. Corrosivity: Liquid waste that corrodes steel at a specific rate.Reactivity: Waste that is unstable or undergoes a rapid, violent chemical reaction with water or other materials.If it is unknown whether a waste is characteristic, the waste can be sent off to a lab for analysis.22Land: Waste Determination:Hazardous Waste Characterization – UniversalUnder the Universal Waste Rule, the EPA established requirements that allow businesses to generate certain wastes with fewer restrictions on disposal. Universal wastes are commonly thrown into the trash by households and small businesses. However, when disposed of in large quantities, universal wastes can release hazardous substances.The items identified as universal waste are not disposed in a municipal solid waste landfill. This list covers the most common types of universal wastes. To avoid the release of hazardous substances when disposing of waste, these items are controlled when disposed in large quantities. 23Land: Waste DeterminationHazardous Waste Characterization – Mixed WasteMixed Waste – The last type of waste we are going to discuss is mixed waste. This occurs when a waste is listed, characteristic or universal and it is radioactive. There are three types of mixed waste: (1) low-level mixed waste; (2) high-level mixed waste and (3) mixed transuranic waste. Due to specific restrictions, mixed waste cannot be disposed until it is treated properly. Although most of the mixed waste can be treated, there is a small percentage that cannot be disposed. 24Programs: LandUsed Oil – To keep used oil out of the landfill, the EPA has established programs to allow used oil to be recycled. To be considered an used oil, it must be used oil from oil refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil and as a result of such use is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities. Animal and vegetable oils are excluded.There are specific requirements that affect the storage, transport, burning processing and refining of the used oil. Some of the requirements require companies to complete paperwork or follow specific requirements. The oil must meet specific criteria to be considered used oil. Firstly, it must meet the definition. Secondly, the oil must be used as a lubricant, hydraulic fluid, heat transfer fluid or other purpose. Lastly, used oil must become contaminated as a result of being used.Instructor Note: Definition of a Used Oil - Used oil is any oil refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used and as a result of such use is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities.25Programs: LandWaste Management – Quantities: So far, we has reviewed how to characterized hazardous waste. The next critical element of waste management is the EPA defined limitations on quantities. There are three categories of hazardous waste generators defined by EPA. Each hazardous waste generator type has specific requirements to follow based on the quantities and types of hazardous waste generated as well as stored on site. The more hazardous waste produced and stored, the more requirements an employer must meet.As an employee, you can impact how your company is classified by working to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated. The three categories are:Conditionally Exempt Small-Quantity GeneratorsSmall Quantity GeneratorsLarge Quantity Generators.Over the next couple of slides, we will review the types of requirements added as the amount of hazardous waste generated and stored increases.26Programs: LandWaste Management – QuantitiesAs shown in this table, a conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) does not have any time limit on hazardous waste generated and storage if the amount of generated materials can be kept to less than ? a drum a month and the amount stored does not exceed 5 drums.Conversely, a large quantity generator (LQG) does not have limits on the amount generated or stored. However, the employer must dispose of the material every 90 days or be the recipient of EPA violations.There are other limitations based on the properties of the waste and quantities stored on site.Instructor Note: Take a moment to walk down the rows and columns of the chart.27Programs: LandManifest System – One of the other elements that is required to manage hazardous waste safely is a manifest system. The manifest system is used to manage hazardous waste from cradle to grave. Another benefit of the manifest system is to track accountability for waste.From the moment hazardous waste is generated, the generator of the waste is required to track quantities as well as material until it leaves the facility. The hazardous waste must be moved by EPA permitted transporters. The transporter is required to document when the material is moved from the generator’s facility and delivered to the owner/operators of Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDFs).The last stop for the hazardous waste is the TSDF. Once received by the TSDF, the hazardous waste is transferred for disposal. Within 45 days, the TSDF is to send the generator notice that the hazardous waste was received and disposed. Additionally, the waste material is labeled and linked to all three parties.The generator, transporter and owners/operators are linked in this process. If the waste is poorly managed, all parties are potentially liable.28Programs: LandThe generators, transporters and TSDFs are linked by the manifest form. The manifest form is to be completed and maintained by all parties.The generator completes a portion of the form to identify the waste to be moved to a TSDF. Once completed, the generator takes a copy and gives the form and hazardous waste to the transporter. The transporter puts their EPA ID number on the form, transports the waste and keeps a copy. The form is given to the TSDF.The TSDF completes the form, puts on their EPA/ID number, and maintains a copy of the form. In addition, the EPA and/or state receive a copy of the form and another copy is sent to the generator.29Programs: LandUnderground Storage TanksThe remaining land program to be discussed is the management of underground storage tanks. Currently, there are approximately a half a million USTs across the USA. Based on state data, UST are the greatest threat to groundwater contamination. The most common groundwater contamination cause is a failed UST with leaking petroleum.Prior to 1990, most USTs were made of bare steel. Due to corrosion, many older USTs were leaking into the environment. Also, poor installation of an UST, inadequate operating procedures and maintenance can cause USTs to release their contents into the environment. Over the next couple of slides, we will discuss some of the requirements for USTs.Instructor Note: Ask the class if they know of any locations where USTs might be found.30Programs: LandUnderground Storage Tanks – DefinitionAn UST is defined as a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume.Under this definition, an aboveground storage tanks could qualify as a UST if its associated piping has 10 percent of the tank’s volume. The other criteria is that the tank contains specific substances like petroleum.31Programs: LandUnderground Storage Tanks – Technical MeasuresTo prevent accidental releases of materials from USTs, the EPA has established specific technical regulations In the areas of:SpillsOverfillsCorrosionFilling practicesRelease detectionThe purpose of these standards is to ensure the design, operation, maintenance, and construction will prevent accidents. For example, during filling of a UST, spills or overfills can occur. To reduce the probability of an event, procedures and training on proper filling techniques can reduce the probability of UST contents spilling and contaminating the environment.Not all USTs are required to meet these requirements. The EPA has exempted some USTs. Please check with your employer for the requirements to manage the USTs at your workplace.32Environmental ProgramsWaterWater is a precious resource as demonstrated in Region 6 during the droughts of 2011. Water affects our health directly, grain supply and the animals we eat. When the water is polluted, human life is compromised. Prior to water filtration and disinfection, people were commonly plagued by water borne illnesses - like Typhoid – in the United States. In Philadelphia, 27,000 people died from Typhoid prior to disinfection and filtration.During this section, we will discuss some of key EPA programs designed to protect the quality of our water supply.33Programs: WaterSpill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan - PurposeOne of the key programs to protect water quality is the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan. The contents of the plan are in place to prevent discharges of oil into US water.When a company has more than 1,320 gallons or 55 gallon containers aboveground or oil or greater than 42,000 gallons below ground, they must develop a spill prevention control and countermeasures plan.Instructor Note: Ask the class if they remembered the Exxon Valdez. Exxon Valdez Summary: In March 1989, Exxon Valdez – an oil tanker in route for Long Beach, CA – struck into the Prince William Sound’s Bligh Reef (near the gulf of Alaska) and spilled from crude oil. Due to the location, the area was accessible by helicopter, plane or boat and made government and industry response efforts difficult. The ship was carrying approximately 55 gallons of oil of which approximately 11 million gallons spilled. Based on calculations of what remained on the ship versus the originally shipped quantities, there was a discrepancy of 25 million gallons.Some of the causes associated with this event are:Insufficient crew was available for the Exxon Valdez which was a common practice at that time.The ship was improperly maneuvered as a result of worker fatigue.The collision avoidance system was not properly maintained and was not functionalThe captain was drunk.Also, the lack of materials and equipment to quickly respond to the spill created additional hazards.34Programs: WaterSpill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan – MethodsTo prevent the accidental spill of oil and the consequences when it does occur, the EPA requires several controls to be in place. The list shown is a summary of the detailed requirements for a SPCC plan.Written plan: The purpose of the written plan is to communicate expectations, roles and responsibilities, actions to be taken, notifications and other critical information regarding the SPCC Plan.Inspections: The purpose of the inspection is to validate the controls will be functional when needed. For example, to ensure secondary containment is working, valve and pipe leaks are controlled and diked areas are still performing their intended function, inspections are performed.Aboveground container integrity testing: The integrity of the storage container is tested to determine if there are cracks or damage to the shell. Notification: When a spill occurs, notifications are required to ensure resources are deployed to respond. The personnel to be notified and emergency contact information are documented and incorporated into the SPCC planRecordkeeping: Many records are necessary to demonstrate compliance with EPA requirements. For example, all inspections conducted as part of the SPCC plan are document and maintained as permanent records. Also, the integrity testing data will be maintained as part of the history for an aboveground container.35Programs: WaterSpill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan – Facility Response PlanFor some facilities, additional documentation may be needed to prevent releases of oil into US waters. The additional requirements are needed to control the large quantities of oil transported over bodies of water or can store over 1 million gallons of oil.When specific conditions are met, the company must develop a Facility Response Plan which contains some of the following sections:Oil transfer operationsLack of secondary containmentLocationSpill HistoryThese special requirements are in place to reduce the impact of releases from the large quantities of oil being stored, transported or used. For example, to prevent releases, oil transfer operations have specific required controls.36Programs: WaterStorm Water Pollution Prevention Plan – PurposeDuring a rain storm in the city, the water collects and runs across the parking lot, flows down the street and disappears into the sewer system. This water will ultimately be used in the public water system or be discharged into a body of water.Prior to the parking lot and streets being present, the water seeped into the soil. Also, trees intercepted the water. Sometimes depressions in the land created natural ponds. When the amount of water was too great, it would flow across the grass until it reaches a body of water.To reduce the impact of contaminants in storm water, there are certain businesses that are required to develop SWPPP. One of these business sectors is Construction. The purpose of the SWPPP is to identify potential sources of pollutants and minimize the potential for them to be carried away in storm water discharges. Instructor Note: Compare and contrast the images of water flow in the pre-development and post-development drawings.Instructor Note: Ask the class – When the water is flowing down the street after or during a rainstorm, what is in that water?37Programs: WaterUnderground Injection Control - PurposeThe EPA has a program for underground injection control (UIC) focused on protecting groundwater from contaminants. Currently, groundwater from aquifers supply 92% of the public water systems in the US.The UIC program has specific requirements for injections wells that place fluids underground for storage or disposal to ensure they are operated safely.Injection wells can be used for long term storage of CO2 , waste disposal, enhancing oil production or mining.Instructor Note: A video on hydraulic fracturing is provided at the following website.The purpose in showing the video is to demonstrate how the water supply is protected.38Environmental ProgramsAirThe last set of programs to be discussed is the EPA Air programs. When air is polluted, it can have a direct impact on our health. To reduce the number of contaminants released into the air, the EPA has established standards to limit and control exposures. Like water, air does not recognize state lines. When one state has contaminated air, the hazard not only affects the state where the releases occur. It also has the potential to impact neighboring states.Instructor Note:As the class to identify some of the common air pollutants.39Programs: AirAir Pollution Prevention and Control – One of the main goals of EPA air related regulations is to prevent and control air pollution. To support this goal, there are a couple of key programs the EPA requires employers to implement. The programs we are going to discuss over the next couple of slides are National Ambient Air Quality Standards or NAAQS (pronounced nacks – like snack minus the S) and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants40Programs: AirAir Pollution Prevention and Control – National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)Under NAAQS, the EPA set pollutant standards for six principal pollutants to maintain air quality. These six principal pollutants are used to determine whether an area is an attainment or non-attainment area.41Programs: AirPrincipal Pollutants – Here is the list of principal pollutants: Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is emitted when material undergoes combustion. The majority of carbon monoxide come from moving vehicles. The health effects of carbon monoxide occurs when the amount of oxygen delivered to body is reduced. This can result in death.Lead. As a metal that occurs naturally in nature, it has been used to manufactured products. The major sources of lead emissions come from ore and metals processing. The hazards of lead are well documented and can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive system and cardiovascular system. Exposure to children has been associated with learning deficits and lowered IQs.Nitrogen Dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a highly reactive gas and forms from emissions from cars, trucks, buses and power plants. Exposures to nitrogen dioxide have been associated with increased inflamed airways.Ozone. Ground level ozone is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in sunlight. The major sources of these chemicals are industrial facilities, electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors and chemical solvents. Breathing ground level ozone has been associated with chest pain, coughing and congestion. It can reduce lung function, inflame the linings of the lungs and create permanently scar lung tissue after repeated exposures.Particle Pollution. Particulate matter is mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. A number of components can be found in particle pollution which include organic chemicals, metals, soil/dust particles and acids. There are two particle sizes of concern to the EPA, which are: 2.5 and 10 micrometers. The size of the particle has a direct relationship to the impact on the lungs. If the particles can reach deep into the lungs, serious health problems can occur.Sulfur Dioxide. Sulfur dioxide is a highly reactive gas produced from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities. The health effects of sulfur dioxide range from constriction of the breathing orifices of the lung to symptoms of asthma.To ensure the levels of contaminants in the air will not compromise people or the environment, the EPA developed primary and secondary standards.Primary and Secondary standards – Primary standards protect public health which includes people with respiratory challenges. Secondary standards are in place to protect animals, crops, vegetation and buildings as well as maintain visibility.Instructor Note: 10 micrometers is about the size of single grain of table salt.42Programs: AirAir Pollution Prevention and Control – National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) – Attainment/Non-attainment areasAnother key factor in maintaining good air quality is to identify areas with good air quality in order to ensure it is maintained. Conversely, an area identified as not having good air quality needs to be improved. The EPA defines these areas as attainment and non-attainment areas. A non-attainment area is a geographic area that does not meet one or more of the air quality standards. An attainment area meets the standards. Instructor Note: The statement “Attainment/Non-attainment areas” has a hypertext link to the following location: webpage shows attainment and non-attainment areas for locations across the country. Ask the students what city they would like to determine whether it is an attainment area.43Programs: AirAir Pollution Prevention and Control – National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) – National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs)Hazardous Air Pollutants:The EPA was charged to identify and list all air pollutants (not already identified as criteria pollutants) that "may reasonably be anticipated to result in an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness.“ After conducting a lot of research, the EPA identified only eight pollutants as HAPs and regulated sources of seven of them (asbestos, benzene, beryllium, inorganic arsenic, mercury, radionuclides, and vinyl chloride). Additionally, a list of 188 compounds was generated to control emissions based on available technologies. The majority of the HAPs are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Maximum Achievable Control Technologies (MACTs): MACTs are emission standards that achieve "the maximum degree of reduction in emissions of the hazardous air pollutants" taking into consideration the cost of achieving such emission reduction, and any non-air quality health and environmental impacts and energy requirements. MACT is determined differently for new and existing sources of HAPs. 44Programs: AirEmission Standards for Moving Sources – Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel StandardsToday, motor vehicles release approximately half of smog forming compounds and more than half of the nitrogen oxide emissions. Seventy-five percent of carbon monoxide emissions are released by motor vehicles in the US.With the amount of pollutants released by cars, the EPA has created emission standards for moving sources. The standards focus on the four areas shown:Cleaner engines, Cleaner fuels andInspection and maintenance programs.Manufacturers of vehicles are required to build cleaner engines that reduce emissions. To verify the emission rate meets the standards, the EPA requires manufacturers to install sensors to measure vehicle emissions.Petroleum refineries are required to produce cleaner fuels and options. For example, current fuel sources release benzene. Fuel producers are expected to lower benzene content.To ensure emission levels are met, cities/counties can require vehicle inspection and maintenance programs. This is typically an annual inspection or every two years.45Lesson ObjectivesDuring this lesson, specific EPA programs in the areas of Health/Chemical, Land, Water and Air were reviewed and discussed. ................
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