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5.0 Environmental Analysis 5.5 Air Quality Avion Project SEIR Page 5.5-7 d. Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur dioxide is a combustion product, with the primary source being power plants and heavy industries that use coal or oil as fuel. SO2 is also a product of diesel engine combustion. The health effects of SO2 include lung disease and breathing problems for people with asthma. SO2 in the atmosphere contributes to the formation of acid rain. e. Particulate Matter Health studies have shown a significant association between exposure to particulate matter and premature death in people with heart or lung diseases. Other important effects include aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, lung disease, decreased lung function, asthma attacks, and certain cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and irregular heartbeat (U.S. EPA 2017b). Inhalable Coarse Particles (PM10) PM10 is particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less. Ten microns is about one-seventh of the diameter of a human hair. Particulate matter is a complex mixture of very tiny solid or liquid particles composed of chemicals, soot, and dust. Under typical conditions (i.e., no wildfires) particles classified under the PM10 category are mainly emitted directly from activities that disturb the soil including travel on roads and construction, mining, or agricultural operations. Other sources include windblown dust, salts, brake dust, and tire wear. Inhalable Fine Particles (PM2.5) Airborne, inhalable particles with aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less have been recognized as an air quality concern requiring regular monitoring. Federal regulations required that PM2.5 monitoring begin January 1, 1999. Similar to PM10, PM2.5 is also inhaled into the lungs and causes serious health problems. f. Lead Lead is a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in manufactured products. At high levels of exposure, lead can have detrimental effects on the central nervous system. The major sources of lead emissions have historically been mobile and industrial sources. As a result of the phase-out of leaded gasoline, metal processing is currently the primary source of lead emissions. 5.5.3 Regulatory Framework 5.5.3.1 Federal Regulations The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) was enacted in 1970 and amended in 1977 and 1990 [42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 7401] for the purposes of protecting and enhancing the quality of the nation’s air resources to benefit public health, welfare, and productivity. In 1971, in order to achieve the purposes of Section 109 of the CAA [42 U.S.C. 7409], the U.S. EPA developed primary and secondary NAAQS.