Item 18 - Appeal Application Nos. 2023-02 and 2023-03 for Cabrillo Town Center project

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Ozone (03). 03 is a gas that is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—both byproducts of internal combustion engine exhaust —undergo slow photochemical reactions in the presence of sunlight. 03 concentrations are generally highest during the summer months when direct sunlight, light wind, and warm temperature conditions are favorable. An elevated level of 03 irritates the lungs and breathing passages, causing coughing and pain in the chest and throat, thereby increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections and reducing the ability to exercise. Effects are more severe in people with asthma and other respiratory ailments. Long-term exposure may lead to scarring of lung tissue and may lower lung efficiency. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). NO2 is a byproduct of fuel combustion and major sources include power plants, large industrial facilities, and motor vehicles. The principal form of nitrogen oxide produced by combustion is nitric oxide (NO), which reacts quickly to form NO2, creating the mixture of NO and NO2 commonly called NOx. NO2 absorbs blue light and results in a brownish -red cast to the atmosphere and reduced visibility. NO2 also contributes to the formation of PM1o. Nitrogen oxides irritate the nose and throat, and increase one's susceptibility to respiratory infections, especially in people with asthma. The principal concern of NOx is as a precursor to the formation of ozone. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). Sulfur oxides (SOx) are compounds of sulfur and oxygen molecules. SO2 is the pre- dominant form found in the lower atmosphere and is a product of burning sulfur or burning materials that contain sulfur. Major sources of SO2 include power plants, large industrial facilities, diesel vehicles, and oil -burning residential heaters. Emissions of sulfur dioxide aggravate lung diseases, especially bronchitis. It also constricts the breathing passages, especially in asthmatics and people involved in moderate to heavy exercise. SO2 potentially causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. High levels of particulates appear to worsen the effect of sulfur dioxide, and long-term exposures to both pollutants leads to higher rates of respiratory illness. Particulate Matter (PM,o and PM2.5). The human body naturally prevents the entry of larger particles into the body. However, small particles, with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 10 microns (PM,o), and even smaller particles with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), can enter the body and become trapped in the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. These small particulates can potentially aggravate existing heart and lung diseases, change the body's defenses against inhaled materials, and damage lung tissue. The elderly, children, and those with chronic lung or heart disease are most sensitive to PM10 and PM2.5. Lung impairment can persist for two to three weeks after exposure to high levels of particulate matter. Some types of particulates can become toxic after inhalation due to the presence of certain chemicals and their reaction with internal body fluids. Lead (Pb). Lead is emitted from industrial facilities and from the sanding or removal of old lead -based paint. Smelting or processing the metal is the primary source of lead emissions, which is primarily a regional pollutant. Lead affects the brain and other parts of the body's nervous system. Exposure to lead in very young children impairs the development of the nervous system, kidneys, and blood forming processes in the body. State -Only Criteria Pollutants Cabrillo Town Center Air Quality ac77ca PAGE 10 18-656 City of Santa Ana 10/3/2023 July 2023