This map shows:
This map uses modeled estimates based on industry-reported emissions data. Because not all pollution is reported, local health risks may vary from what is shown here.
Toxicity-weighted concentrations from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators Model (RSEI) from petrochemical sources reporting to EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory. This metric represents the estimated amount of chemicals in the air weighted by their relative toxicities and can help us understand the health risks communities are exposed to from petrochemical pollution.
Shades in risk levels from a broader set of emissions, including point sources, mobile sources (like cars), fires, and biogenic sources.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are set by the EPA for acceptable levels of criteria pollutants like ozone and particulate matter. Areas where outdoor air levels exceed these limits are designated "nonattainment." Some counties that don’t meet these standards are also hotspots for petrochemical pollution, further increasing the health risks to people who live there.