Chevron Richmond Refinery Emissions Exceed Cancer Risk Threshold
Regulators at the Bay Area Air District have released a preliminary health risk assessment of the Chevron Richmond Refinery's emissions. The assessment found that the cancer risk for residents near the refinery is 37 in a million, exceeding the allowable threshold of 10 in a million. This means that over a lifetime of exposure, there are 37 additional chances in a million of developing cancer.
The assessment also found short-term non-cancer health risks above the allowable threshold when exposed to toxic air contaminants for an hour. However, long-term risk of non-cancer health effects fell below the threshold.
According to Bay Area Air District rules, facilities must implement a plan to reduce health risk if it equals or exceeds 10 in a million. The refinery's emissions pose elevated risks for cancer and other health effects, prompting concerns among nearby residents and workers.