ISSUES: Air Pollution
Written by Lili Luong * Edited by Sonya Abelaye

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          Did you know air pollution can make you sick? Residents in the Albina community have a higher risk of getting asthma and other respiratory problems because of the air pollution in their area. Some of the symptoms can include; trouble breathing, burning eyes and nose, and an itchy irritated throat. Long term effects of air pollution could include cancer, birth defects, brain and nerve damage, and long term damage to lungs and breathing passages.

          A study by the Center for Research on Occupational and Toxicology found that inner city African American children have a 45% higher risk of asthma, compared with United States children. Also studies show that white inner city children also have a higher risk of asthma, but not as high and the African Americans. In addition African American's hospitalization rate for asthma is three times higher then that of the white community, and also their death rate from asthma is seven times higher. 

          The eight hazardous toxins that contribute to the air pollution that threatens Albina's health include acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, 1, 3 butadiene, chromium, formaldehyde, lead, and nickel (Healthy Albina, 30.)  These hazardous pollutants are poisonous and are in the air that we breathe.
          "Acetaldehyde is a colorless flammable liquid with a pungent odor" and is used in the process of manufacturing. It is also a "probable human carcinogen" and long term 
exposure affects the upper respiratory areas, growth, and kidneys (Healthy Albina, 30.)

          Acrolein is extremely toxic, which comes in a white or yellow liquid that makes chemicals and pesticides. The major affects from a long term exposure consist of breathing problems and eye, throat, and nose irritation (Healthy Albina, 30.)

          "Benzene is a volatile, colorless, highly flammable liquid, which has a sweet odor" to it. It is used in motor fuels and is expose to people by air. Also used in fats, waxes, resins, oils, inks, paints, plastics, rubber, and in manufactures in detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and dyes (Healthy Albina, 30.)

           "1, 3 Butadiene is a colorless gas that has a mild gasoline-like odor." The use of Butadiene is in the production of rubber, plastic, and in acrylics. It is released in automobile exhaust, oil refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, and plastic and rubber factories. Studies show that exposure of 1, 3 Butadiene causes heart problems (Healthy Albina, 30.)

          Chromium is one of the most hazardous compounds in the eco-systems and the environment. They are found in rocks, animals, plants, soil, and volcanic dust and gasses. Various forms of chromium are used in making steel, chrome plating, dyes and pigments, leather tanning, wood preserving, and produced by burning oil, coal, and solid waste (Healthy Albina, 31.)

          "Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent odor" and most people are exposed through vehicle exhaust emissions, and emissions from pulp and paper mills, power plants, manufacturing facilities and incinerators. It is very important in manufacturing in cosmetics, disinfectants, fumigants, photography, and wood preservation. Long term exposure causes respiratory symptoms and eye, throat, and nose irritation (Healthy Albina, 31.)

          Lead is found in all parts of the environment and is a blue grayish metal.  Lead has many uses and is found in batteries and in the production of chemicals and ammunition. People living in homes built before 1978 have a higher chance of being exposed to lead.  Prior to 1978 the dangers of lead were unknown.  However, it is now known that long term exposure to lead slows intelligence and growth and causes hearing loss (Healthy Albina, 31.)

         Nickel is a silvery metal and can be detected around the environment. The single largest source found in the atmosphere is from fuel oil combustion and other sources include emissions from mining and refining operations, municipal waste incineration, and windblown dust (Healthy Albina, 31.)

          These pollutants come from all over the city, which includes auto exhaust, hair spray, off road vehicles, waste burning, and manufacturing business. We are supposed to be protected by the Clean Air Act, but studies show that the Albina community is in violation of the Clean Air Act.