Can DEQs air toxics program really improve air quality?
Yes, DEQ’s air toxics program will focus efforts on reducing the important sources of air toxics. Oregonians need more information about air toxics and how air pollution may be affecting us. Until recently, the only available forum for Oregonians to voice concerns has been through DEQ’s industrial source permitting process. That process focuses attention on large industrial point sources but does not provide an opportunity for DEQ to discuss the effects of other significant pollution sources. A variety of studies show the importance of reducing non-industrial sources of air toxics to improving human health. DEQ’s air toxics program will provide Oregonians with vital information about the air we breathe. More importantly, it will identify the factors that affect the quality of that air and our own individual roles in protecting it. Finally, this approach will give Oregonians the tools needed to decide how to protect our community’s air, our health and the health of our families, friends
