Why Is This Important?

Throughout the nation, mobile sources (e.g., cars, trucks, buses) account for a large fraction of acrolein emissions to the environment. Acrolein is emitted into the atmosphere through incomplete combustion of gasoline from automotive tailpipes. Acrolein causes eye irritation, burning of the nose and throat, and lung damage. These effects usually disappear after exposure stops. However, there is very little information about how exposure to acrolein affects people's health.

Definition

Mean of modeled annual average acrolein concentration for census tracts in a county

Data Sources

• USEPA Air Toxics Screening Assessment and NJDEP Division of Air Quality
  (https://www.epa.gov/AirToxScreen)
• Air Toxics Screening Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  (https://www.epa.gov/AirToxScreen)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

Several New Jersey counties exceed the health benchmark of 0.02 micrograms of acrolein per cubic meter of air. The highest reported concentration using modeled results can be found in Hudson County. Acrolein concentrations in ambient air throughout the state are also influenced by out-of-state emissions from both stationary and mobile sources.

What Is Being Done?

In the outdoor environment, acrolein is a byproduct of combustion and subject to the general controls on automobile and stationary sources. Industrial facilities that emit this chemical must obtain permits from the NJDEP Air Program and are also subject to state and federal air pollution control technology requirements.

Available Services

To view select air quality data collected at outdoor monitors across the United States go to: [http://www.epa.gov/airdata/] New Jersey County Risk Ratio tables can be found at the following URL: [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/airtoxics/nataest.htm#rrtab]

More Resources

The USEPA Integrated Risk Information System provides more detailed information about acrolein and research studies on its health effects at the following URL: [https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris2/chemicalLanding.cfm?substance_nmbr=364] New Jersey Statewide Average 2005 NATA Modeled Air Concentrations and comparisons to health benchmarks can be found at: [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/airtoxics/Acrolein05.htm] Pollution Prevention and Community Right to Know: [http://web.doh.state.nj.us/rtkhsfs/factsheets.aspx] NJDEP "What's in My Community?" mapping application: [https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=76194937cbbe46b1ab9a9ec37c7d709b] On the map you will find every facility with an air permit registered with the Division of Air Quality at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.