Inorganic lead was identified as a toxic air contaminant (TAC) in 1997. The primary basis for the identification was the health impacts associated with neurodevelopmental impairment in children. Other potential health effects identified were increased blood pressure in adults and cancer.
Once a substance is identified as a TAC, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is required by law to determine if there is a need for further control. In the case of lead, CARB determined that the best approach for addressing lead emissions from new and existing stationary sources was to develop risk management guidelines.
The lead risk management guidelines above provide assistance to the districts in making risk management decisions for new, modified, and existing stationary sources of lead. Lead risk management guidelines do the following:
Establish a consistent site-specific risk assessment approach to evaluating potential lead risk by establishing step-by-step procedures for quantifying cancer health risks and non-cancer neurodevelopmental impairment health risks in children.
Provide guidance on determining when to require application of the best available control technology.
Provide guidance on making decisions concerning the issuance of permits for new and modified stationary sources.
