Why Is This Important?

1,3-Butadiene is a volatile chemical with a gasoline-like odor. It is used in the production of rubber and plastics, and is also a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Motor vehicle exhaust is the largest source of butadiene in New Jersey air. Inhaling high concentrations of 1,3-butadiene for prolonged periods can cause central nervous system damage and the risk of heart disease and cancer. At concentrations in air likely to be encountered in New Jersey, 1,3-butadiene may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 1,3-Butadiene is a known human carcinogen.

Definition

Mean of modeled annual average 1,3-butadiene concentration in a county

Data Sources

• USEPA Air Toxics Screening Assessment and NJDEP Division of Air Quality
  (https://www.epa.gov/AirToxScreen)
• Air Toxics Screening Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  (https://www.epa.gov/AirToxScreen)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

Several New Jersey counties exceed the health benchmark of 0.033 micrograms of 1,3-butadiene per cubic meter of air. The highest ambient air concentrations can be found in the northeast counties of Bergen, Essex, and Hudson.

What Is Being Done?

Like carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene is a product of incomplete combustion, and its presence in automobile exhaust is controlled to some degree by catalytic converters. Industrial facilities that emit this chemical must obtain permits from the NJDEP Air Program and are also subject to state and federal air pollution control technology requirements.

Available Services

To view select air quality data collected at outdoor monitors across the United States go to: [http://www.epa.gov/airdata/]

More Resources

The USEPA Integrated Risk Information System provides more detailed information about butadiene and research studies on its health effects at the following URL: [https://iris.epa.gov/ChemicalLanding/&substance_nmbr=139] Information on New Jersey Air Toxics and associated health benchmarks can be found at: [https://dep.nj.gov/airplanning/airtoxics/] Pollution Prevention and Community Right to Know: [http://web.doh.state.nj.us/rtkhsfs/factsheets.aspx] NJDEP "What's in My Community?" mapping application: [https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=76194937cbbe46b1ab9a9ec37c7d709b] On the map you will find every facility with an air permit registered with the Division of Air Quality at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.