Human Health Risk Assessment for Petroleum Refining Industry of the Remaining Air Toxics after MACT I Emissions Reductions

Abstract

Inhalation risks on human health for hazardous air pollutants emitted from MACT I petroleum refining industry were determined using EPA HEM-3 Program. Methodology included compiling vertical and fugitive emissions from 2002 National Emissions Inventory for sources inside two facilities in Louisiana, \u27Motiva Norco\u27 and \u27Valero St. Charles\u27 refineries. Six cases were modeled applying EPA criteria, where cancer risks are \u27low\u27 if the probability is. 1/1, 000, 000, and non-cancer risks are harmful when hazard quotient is \u3e 1. It was demonstrated that fugitive emissions have more impact on human health than the verticals because of their significant portion of the total refining emissions. HAPs can cause moderate adverse effects in humans living nearby refineries, as 113 people resulted in high risk of respiratory problems with Valero emissions, 4571 people resulted in \u27moderate\u27 risk of getting cancer with Motiva emissions, 2702 people with Valero emissions, and 11, 282 people with both refineries\u27 emissions

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