Taking an active role in the air toxics conversation

Published on October 14, 2024

Since January, a group of scientific experts has been busy providing feedback to APCD to narrow down a list of 477 toxic air contaminants to just five priority ones. Dr. Morales has been playing a key role in this process, representing Weld County and ensuring a transparent process is conducted with defensible decisions.

This work comes from a 2022 state law, House Bill 22-1244, which is aimed at reducing the risk to public health from toxic air contaminants. The APCD oversees setting up a framework for prioritizing these chemicals and setting health-based standards, with the scientific working group providing expert feedback along the way.

Key Updates from the Public Feedback Session

At the Sept 24 public meeting, the APCD shared a potential list of priority air toxics — those pollutants that are considered the most risky for our health. Here’s what made the list:

• Acrolein (C₃H₄O): This one’s found in vehicle exhaust, some industrial emissions, and residential wood combustion. It’s highly reactive and not great for our health.
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S): Known for its “rotten egg” smell, it comes from  industrial processes (oil refineries, landfills, biogas) and natural sources like volcanoes or hot springs.
• Ethylene Oxide (EtO): Used in commercial sterilizers, this chemical is recognized as a carcinogen.
• Benzene (C₆H₆): A known carcinogen that’s commonly found in gasoline, commercial products (glues, paints, furniture wax), residential woof combustion, and oil and gas production.
• Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI]): This carcinogen comes from coal-fired power plants and industrial processes like leather tanning, stainless steel production, and wood preservation.

The impact of these pollutants on health varies depending on how much you’re exposed to, how long you’re exposed, and the way you come into contact with them, such as breathing them in or by touch.

How You Can Get Involved

Weld County is committed to actively participating in these ongoing work sessions and Dr. Morales is gearing up for the rulemaking hearing tentatively scheduled for Jan 2025, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. Your input is also important in helping shape effective air quality regulations and keeping our community safe and healthy. Here are some ways you can join the conversation.

• Send Your Comments: You can share your thoughts with the Air Quality Control Commission at cdphe.aqcc@state.co.us or provide public comment during the request for rulemaking on Oct 16, at 5:30pm. Register here to sign up for public comment.
• Listen in on the Technical Working Group: Their next meeting is November 21 at 12pm. Register here to hear the discussion on health-based standards.
• Reach Out with Local Concerns: If you have specific questions or concerns for Weld County, drop Dr. Morales a line at amorales@weld.gov.