Richmond Residents Face Higher Cancer Risk Near Chevron Refinery

A preliminary health assessment from the Bay Area Air District found that residents living near the Chevron refinery in Richmond face a higher risk of cancer and other diseases.

The assessment, released this week, will require Chevron to implement measures to reduce health risks or install pollution controls at the refinery if the results are confirmed.

People living near the refinery were exposed to increased levels of toxic air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, according to the report. These pollutants have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.