Q408. Should I be worried about a local facility's GHG emissions?

A408. The “Bubble Map” in FLIGHT provides a visual representation of the location and magnitude of each facility’s GHG emissions relative to one another. Current  Current ambient air concentrations of CO₂ and other GHGs remain well below published exposure thresholds for any direct adverse health effects, such as respiratory or toxic effects.  Rather, GHG emissions contribute to the air pollution – the mix of those GHGs in the atmosphere - that causes climate change which in turn endangers public health and welfare.  For example, a warmer climate will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and death, and will worsen conditions for air pollution. For more information, visit http://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts/.

Geographic areas covered by bubbles in the map are not necessarily at higher risk for climate change related health impacts than areas not covered by a bubble, however, some of these facilities release other substances which may be directly harmful to human health. Explore Envirofacts to learn more about other pollutants monitored by EPA.