Comparison of modeling studies used to estimate air toxics health risk
RSEI
Risk Screening Environmental Indicators
NATA
National-scale Air Toxics Assessment
PATS
Portland Air Toxics Solutions
EPA, USA Today, Johns Hopkins University and
University of Massachusetts
Estimates cancer and non-cancer health risks
for individual emissions sources. Creates an
index value for each pollutant based on
toxicity and amount emitted. Includes
estimates for breathing air and drinking
surface water.
EPA
Oregon DEQ
Estimates nationwide air toxics concentrations
and potential cancer and non-cancer health
effects by combining the results from several
models. Concentrations are for breathing air.
Estimates air toxics concentrations and cancer
and non-cancer health effects in the Portland
region in 2017 using comprehensive modeling
and monitoring. Concentrations are for
breathing air.
What are the strengths
and characteristics of
the study?
- A screening tool for individuals to know
about what industry is in the neighborhood
and chemicals potentially emitted from
industry so they can make further inquiry
- Does not include weather or terrain
- A screening tool for agencies to use to
identify and further investigate air toxics
problems
- Allows citizens to understand air toxics on a
larger scale
- Best used at county level, not at census tract
or neighborhood level
- Usually several years behind (i.e. 2005 to be
released in 2011)
- Comprehensive, includes all sources of
emissions
- Factors in effects of weather, flat terrain and
basic land use
What pollutants are
included in the study?
Over 400 industrial chemicals. Does not
include emissions from non industrial sources.
What geographic area
does the study cover?
Continental US
177 of the federally listed hazardous air
pollutants from industry, business and
residential activities, cars and trucks,
secondary formation and background.
Continental US
What years does the
study estimate?
Where does the data
come from?
2006
2005
- Portland area study using the most current
and detailed emissions information from
businesses and industry, cars and trucks and
residential activities
- Factors in economic conditions, population
growth, topography, weather and new
regulations to reduce pollution
- Acts as a forecast for concentrations
expected in 2017
- Factors in effects of local weather, complex
terrain and specific land use/ local zoning
- More detailed estimates at the local level to
allow emission reduction planning and
tracking
19 identified air toxics of concern from
industry, business and residential activities,
cars and trucks, secondary formation and
background.
Portions of Clackamas, Washington and
Multnomah Counties included in the Portland
metropolitan area.
2005 & 2017
Industry reports releases EPA annually
Oregon DEQ derived with additions and
modifications by EPA
Oregon DEQ derived with EPA information to
fill gaps
What does the
acronym stand for?
Who did the study?
What does it do?