With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Cancer Risk from Air Toxins Down but are Still Too High
A longshoreman readies a container at the APL Terminal at the Port of Los Angeles ( AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
A multi-year study conducted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District has found that cancer risk from air pollution is down overall by 8 percent. However, some areas of the region have an increased risk.
Increases of 17% were found around the port areas in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Slight increases were also found in areas of Riverside County probably due to increased truck traffic warehouse development as by-products of the growth in trade at the ports.
"About 84 percent of all cancer risk from air pollution is due to diesel exhaust from trucks, trains, ships, locomotives and other diesel equipment," stated the AQMD's statement on the study. "The remaining risk is due to toxic emissions from gasoline-powered motor vehicles, businesses and industrial facilities."
A clean truck program that begins in October for the ports of LA and Long Beach will "upgrade their aging fleet of about 16,800 mostly dilapidated rigs that produce much of the diesel pollution in Southern California," reports the LA Times. The trucking industry fought it in court saying it "would lead to place an unconstitutional and unfair economic burden on port truckers." A judge tentatively allowed the program to go through on Monday.
"Cancer risks from air pollution are still far too high in the Southland," said Barry Wallerstein, executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. "The study results show that we need to continue pursuing all feasible measures to reduce toxic emissions."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
-
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
-
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.