Air Quality

Health Impacts

Sources of air pollution can include: 

• industry

• agriculture

• vehicles

• and more!

Smog and particle pollution are the main contaminants of concern when talking about urban air pollution. Being exposed to large amounts of emissions and air pollutants long-term can lead to: 

• Respiratory health problems 

• Neurological disorders

• Reproductive health issues

• Cancer

Low-income neighborhoods, and communities of color in urban areas may be disproportionately exposed to air pollution, which is a barrier to economic opportunity and security.

Source

You can find more information about other specific sources of air pollution beyond construction that developers and construction crews might be responsible for on the Parking and Idling page. 

Developer Responsibilities and What Residents Need to Know

To reduce emissions, cities have implemented building reduction ordinances that seek to:

• Reduce annual emissions below an emissions standard (emissions limit) corresponding to the building use type

Residents should be aware of any such ordinances to ensure building owners are in compliance.

Additional measures developers and building owners can take to meet compliance are: 

• Reducing energy use and transitioning away from fossil fuels

• Obtaining renewable energy

• Investing in environmental justice communities