Greta Jimenez
Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, has consistently averaged an annual Air Quality Index (AQI) level in the good category. However, this obscures Philadelphia's pollution events, which give way to unhealthy pollution days, or action days. Mobile sources, such as motor vehicles, aeroplanes, and locomotives, are the largest contributors to Philadelphia's air pollution. In addition, stationary sources, such as the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refining complex, and area sources, such as construction and agriculture, also contribute significantly to the city's air pollution. The city has recently updated its regulations on toxic air pollution from industrial facilities, which is a step in the right direction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution sources | Mobile sources (motor vehicles, aeroplanes, locomotives), stationary sources (power plants, oil refineries, factories), and area sources (construction, agriculture, domestic wood burning) |
| Largest contributor to air pollution | Mobile sources |
| Largest stationary emission source | Philadelphia Energy Solutions refining complex |
| Air pollution impacts | Respiratory irritation, breathing difficulties, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, lung issues, asthma, heart attacks |
| Air pollution regulation | Philadelphia updated its regulation of toxic air pollution from industrial facilities in 2023, including compounds like asbestos, lead, arsenic, and benzene |
| Cancer risk | EPA’s 2019 AirToxScreen estimated a total lifetime cancer risk of 30-in-a-million before the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery shut down |
| Air quality ratings | Philadelphia received "F" ratings for particulate pollution and ground-level ozone pollution in the American Lung Association's annual assessment |
| Worst-affected areas | Neighborhoods located along highways |
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What You'll Learn
Mobile sources (cars, trucks, planes, ships)
Mobile sources of air pollution, including motor vehicles, aeroplanes, and locomotives, are the largest contributors to Philadelphia's poor air quality. This is a common issue in US cities, where stationary sources of pollution, such as power plants and factories, are often located outside city centres, and ownership of motor vehicles is relatively high.
In Philadelphia, the issue is exacerbated by the presence of a major airport, a busy port, and numerous warehouses, all of which contribute significantly to mobile emission sources. The Philadelphia International Airport, for example, has a constant stream of airplanes taking off and landing, and the airport's surrounding area is traversed by approximately 400 trucks daily. The diesel exhaust from these vehicles contains numerous carcinogenic compounds, which pose serious health risks to residents.
The high level of mobile emissions in Philadelphia has had tangible impacts on the health of the city's residents. The city has the highest cancer rate of any large city in the country, as well as an asthma hospitalisation rate that is three times the state average. The American Lung Association's 2020 "State of the Air" report found that the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden metro area ranked as the 12th most polluted city in the nation for fine particle pollution and 23rd for high levels of ozone smog.
While mobile sources of pollution present a significant challenge, they also offer the greatest opportunity for improving Philadelphia's air quality. Increasing the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road, as well as making public transportation and green transportation, such as walking and cycling, more accessible and attractive, could significantly reduce the city's ozone levels.
Addressing mobile sources of air pollution is crucial not only for improving air quality but also for mitigating the impacts of climate change. Fossil fuel combustion, a major contributor to air pollution, is the main driver of climate change. By reducing emissions from mobile sources, Philadelphia can play a vital role in combating this global crisis.
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Stationary sources (power plants, refineries)
Air pollution sources are divided into three categories: mobile sources (such as vehicles and aeroplanes), stationary sources (power plants, refineries, and factories), and area sources (construction, agriculture, and domestic wood burning). While mobile sources are the primary contributors to Philadelphia's air pollution, stationary sources also play a significant role. Stationary sources, such as power plants and refineries, emit various air pollutants, including particulate matter, soot, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
Power plants, particularly coal-fired power stations, are a significant source of particle pollution, which is made up of tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs, causing asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and even premature deaths. These power plants contribute to the emission of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The Philadelphia Energy Solutions refining complex has been the city's largest stationary emission source, releasing approximately 470,000 pounds of emissions annually, contributing to 9% of the city's PM2.5 emissions and 20% of its greenhouse gases. The complex has been linked to Philadelphia's high cancer and asthma hospitalisation rates. However, after a fire in 2019, the facility was shut down, and experts anticipate a positive impact on the city's air quality.
Refineries, such as the Philadelphia Energy Solutions complex, release emissions containing particulate matter (PM2.5) and greenhouse gases, contributing to smog and unhealthy air pollution. These emissions are believed to have played a role in Philadelphia's high cancer and asthma hospitalisation rates. The Clean Air Act directs the EPA to control these emissions by implementing standards and guidelines. While the closure of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions complex is a step towards improving air quality, more action is needed to address the pollution from other stationary sources, such as power plants.
To address the air pollution caused by stationary sources, Philadelphia has taken steps to improve air quality. The city has made efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and transportation options, which have contributed to overall improvements in air quality. The Department of Public Health in Philadelphia provides real-time updates and resources about the air quality in the city, helping residents stay informed and take necessary precautions. Additionally, the city's air monitoring stations measure criteria pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and sulphur dioxide, providing valuable data for assessing and improving air quality.
Addressing stationary sources of air pollution in Philadelphia is crucial for improving the health and well-being of its residents. By regulating emissions from power plants and refineries, implementing cleaner energy solutions, and providing accessible information about air quality, Philadelphia is taking steps towards creating a healthier environment for its citizens. However, continued efforts and collaboration are necessary to combat the complex issue of air pollution and mitigate its impact on the community.
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Industrial facilities (asbestos, lead, arsenic)
Industrial facilities, including power plants, oil refineries, and factories, are a significant source of air pollution in Philadelphia. While mobile sources, such as motor vehicles, are the largest contributors to the city's poor air quality, stationary sources like industrial facilities also play a crucial role.
One of the key pollutants associated with industrial facilities in Philadelphia is asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral that has been used in various industrial applications for its strength and heat resistance. However, exposure to asbestos fibres can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems and cancer. In Philadelphia, the presence of asbestos in older buildings and industrial sites may contribute to indoor air pollution, posing risks to residents and workers. The Philadelphia Health Management Corporation collaborates with the city's Air Management Services to address this issue through an Asbestos Control Program.
Lead is another significant pollutant associated with industrial facilities in Philadelphia. Lead pollution, particularly in the soil, is a major concern due to the city's historical lead-smelting activities and the legacy use of lead-based paints and leaded gasoline. High levels of lead-in-soil have been found in residential areas, parks, and industrial sites, posing health risks to the population, especially children. Lead exposure can cause neurological problems, behavioural issues, learning difficulties, hearing damage, and anaemia in children. It can also lead to hypertension, cardiovascular problems, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues in adults.
Additionally, arsenic, while not directly linked to industrial facilities in Philadelphia in the sources I found, is a global industrial pollutant that deserves mention. Arsenic is used in various industrial processes, including alloying, glass processing, pigment manufacturing, and hide tanning. Inorganic arsenic, the most common form found in water, is a confirmed carcinogen and the most significant chemical contaminant in drinking water globally. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic through drinking water and food can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning, skin lesions, and skin cancer.
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Fossil fuel combustion
Mobile sources, such as motor vehicles, aeroplanes, and locomotives, are the largest contributors to Philadelphia's poor air quality. The high ownership of motor vehicles in Philadelphia, coupled with emissions from airplanes and ships, significantly impacts the city's air quality. Diesel exhaust, for example, contains numerous cancer-causing substances.
Stationary sources, such as power plants, oil refineries, and factories, also contribute to air pollution. The Philadelphia Energy Solutions refining complex was once the city's largest stationary emission source, releasing approximately 470,000 pounds of emissions annually, which contributed to 9% of the city's PM2.5 emissions and 20% of its greenhouse gases. The complex was permanently shut down after a fire in 2019, and experts hope that its closure will lead to a significant reduction in smog and unhealthy air pollution.
Area sources, including construction, agriculture, and domestic wood burning, further contribute to air pollution in Philadelphia. While not as significant as mobile and stationary sources, these activities can release pollutants into the air, impacting the overall air quality.
The combustion of fossil fuels releases various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants have detrimental effects on human health, particularly for individuals with heart and lung diseases.
To mitigate the impact of fossil fuel combustion on air pollution in Philadelphia, the city has taken steps to improve air quality. This includes encouraging the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, promoting public transportation and green transportation options, and implementing regulations to reduce toxic air pollution from industrial facilities.
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Area sources (construction, agriculture)
Air pollution sources can be classified into three primary categories: mobile sources, stationary sources, and area sources. Area sources include construction, agriculture, and domestic wood burning.
Construction sites can be a significant contributor to air pollution in Philadelphia. Activities such as demolition, excavation, and building construction can release dust and debris into the air, including harmful particles like silica and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These particles can contribute to reduced air quality and have negative impacts on human health, particularly for those living or working near construction sites.
Additionally, construction sites often use heavy machinery and equipment that run on diesel or other fossil fuels, releasing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter into the atmosphere. These emissions can have both short-term and long-term effects on air quality and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of smog.
Agricultural practices can also contribute to air pollution in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. Agricultural activities such as crop farming and livestock farming can release various pollutants into the air. For example, ammonia (NH3) is emitted during the application of fertilizers and manure, which can contribute to the formation of particulate matter and secondary pollutants. Additionally, the use of agricultural machinery and equipment, such as tractors and irrigation pumps, can release pollutants similar to those from construction equipment, including NOx and particulate matter.
Certain agricultural practices, such as crop burning or biomass burning for field preparation, can release large amounts of smoke and harmful gases into the atmosphere. These practices not only contribute to air pollution but also have negative impacts on climate change. Furthermore, agricultural activities can influence air quality through the release of biological particles, such as pollen, which, while natural, can affect respiratory health, particularly for individuals with allergies or asthma.
It is important to note that the impact of area sources, such as construction and agriculture, on air pollution can vary depending on factors such as the scale of the activities, the proximity to residential areas, and the regulatory measures in place. By implementing best practices, adopting new technologies, and enforcing regulations, the contribution of area sources to air pollution in Philadelphia can be effectively managed and reduced.
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Frequently asked questions
Mobile sources of pollution, such as cars, trucks, aeroplanes, and locomotives, are the largest contributors to Philadelphia's unhealthy air quality.
Stationary sources of pollution, such as power plants, oil refineries, and factories, also contribute to Philadelphia's air pollution.
Air pollution can cause respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities, even in otherwise healthy people. Those with heart disease, lung diseases such as asthma, and other pre-existing conditions are most susceptible to severe health problems from breathing polluted air.
The city of Philadelphia has recently updated its regulations on toxic air pollution from industrial facilities, which will help to lower the levels of carcinogenic and toxic air pollutants. The city is also working to make it easier for residents to access information about their local air quality.
Individuals can play a role in reducing air pollution by driving less, using electric or hybrid vehicles, and supporting the development of accessible public transportation and green transportation options such as walking and cycling.
