Portland’s Benzene Levels
Today in one of my public health education classes, the professor brought up something quite surprising to me … the benzene levels in our good ‘ol city. She told the class that Portland has the highest benzene levels in the nation and that since benzene is a carcinogen (cancer promoting chemical) we shouldn’t run on the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade since it’s so near the freeway (and therfore the benzene). I left class and here I sit, researching benzene. I thought I would share!
*benzene is a toxic substance found in gasoline (as well as cigarette smoke)
*the EPA has found benzene to cause “chromosomal abnormalities” and cancer
*the WHO has said “no safe levels of exposure” to benzene “can be recommended”
*the DEQ believes that the immune system, blood cell production & leukemia can be included on the adverse reactions list
*the Pacific Northwest receives most of the crude oil used here from the North Slope in Alaska
*this North Slope crude oil has a high level of benzene
*the crude oil isn’t benzene-filtered as well through Washington’s plants
*Portland’s levels of benzene are almost twice that of the national average but not high enough to trigger federal regulation (check out the above map if you live in the Portland area … my area is in the 1.3-1.9 range)
More Articles on the Benzene Levels
The Portland State University VanGuard - PSU Study Examines Freeway Pollution
Long Blog writes a bit about benzene research
Stand Tall for America encourages benzene reduction
Blue Oregon writes about the EPA finally listening to Senator Ron Wyden’s benzene cap request
Commissioner Sam Adams - Wyden Rips EPA Over Benzene-Heavy Air
To Reduce Benzene Production/Consumption
*maintain your vehicles properly, have your oil changed, keep your filters clean, just keep up on this
*drive less - take the bus or MAX, carpool, ride your bike, walk to class, just avoid being in your car
*use “certified” woodstoves and fireplaces which only burn compressed logs or dry and clean wood
*quit smoking and avoid being around those who are smoking
About Portland OR, Portland OR, Portland, benzene levels, Portland benzene levels, EPA, WHO, DEQ, reducing benzene
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:18 am
This country is so whack. We can fight guns, we can fight wars, we can fight against rights of defense…
…but heaven forbid we live in a clean environment!
September 5th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
[...] that drive a lot are contributing to cancer and it annoys me. (this is what I’m talking about: Portland, OR Blog Archive Portland’s Benzene Levels) The thing that annoys me is that people don’t seem to ever try to do anything to help the [...]
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