M3.4 Air Pollution

·       Who and what are the top polluters in your zip code?

It was recorded that the biggest polluter in our community was New United Motor MGF. INC. They are located in Fremont, CA with a total of 499,459 pounds of waste.

·       What percent of the homes in your zipcode have` lead-based paint?

Three percent of homes in all of Alameda County have a high risk of lead hazards.

·       Are there Superfund sites in your zip?  (In your BLOG, make sure to tell us what a Superfund Site is)

There are only 2 Superfund Sites in Alameda County that caused contamination of drinking water sources. The Superfund Sites are Alameda Naval Air Station and AMCO Chemicals.

·       What can you tell us about the Superfund sites that are near where you live?

The Alameda Naval Air Station is located about 20 miles from my home. The base is known to be a big factor into pollution for the East Bay.The water migration system falls under More Hazard on the Hazard Ranking System for pre-clean up rankings. The surface water contains the chemical Polychlorinated BiPhenyls.

·       What did you learn about the air quality in your zipcode?

I have learned that in 2003, my county was ranked among the dirtiest/worst counties in all of US. This has resulted in cancer rates rocketing much higher for individuals.

·       How about the water quality?

The water quality for alameda county was 80% dirty according to the clean water act comparative ranking. The number of impaired water bodies was 60%. 26% of the surface waters were reported dirty. 31% of waterbodies were reported with problems.

·       How did your zipcode fair on a social justice / environmental justice basis?

My zipcode had a ratio of 1.06 when ranked on releasing toxic chemicals between whites and those of color. Cancer from hazardous air pollutions was 1.12. Superfund Sites had a ratio of 0.66, which was lower than other counties.