Chevron Refinery in Richmond Found to Exceed Health Risk Thresholds

The Air Quality Management District in Contra Costa has released a preliminary health risk assessment for the Chevron Refinery in Richmond, finding that the estimated cancer and short-term health risks from air emissions are above allowed levels.

The assessment estimates a maximum cancer risk of 37 in a million, which means 37 additional chances in a million of developing cancer over a lifetime of exposure. The Air District requires facilities to act if that risk equals or exceeds 10 in a million.

According to Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District, 'These findings give the Richmond community clear, science-based information about the health risks from refinery air pollution emissions.'