Sources

Many residents have noticed the poor air quality in our west Eugene neighborhoods near and downwind of the railyard and industrial corridor.  We are exposed to a toxic stew of hazardous and odorous air pollutants from those sources.

• Diesel fumes and soot from locomotives at the Union Pacific railyard pollute the air in many areas of River Road and Trainsong. Recent studies in California have shown that diesel particulate matter increases cancer risk to residents in large areas surrounding railyards.  Diesel soot particles are very tiny and can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, carrying an array of toxins with them.

• Creosote odors from the JH Baxter wood preserving facility on Roosevelt Boulevard routinely blanket nearby neighborhoods. Levels of naphthalene (a constituent of creosote) measured outside the perimeter of the plant exceed health standards for cancer and non-cancer chronic effects—a level that is "unacceptable” by Clean Air Act standards.  Baxter also releases large amounts of ammonia.

• JH Baxter and the LD McFarland wood preserving facility on Highway 99N emit pentachlorophenol to air. Penta is also contaminated with hexachlorobenzene and chlorinated dioxins and furans—some of the most toxic chemicals known.

• The Weyerhaeuser MDF facility on Danebo is a major emitter of formaldehyde to the air. The plant emitted over 20,000 pounds in 2006. 

• Georgia-Pacific Resins, Trus Joist, and other facilities are also major polluters. So are the cars and diesel trucks driving on Highway 99, Beltline, Northwest Expressway and major arterials. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from unidentified sources have been found in the outdoor air in Trainsong.

The Health Risks

Diesel particulate matter (DPM)is classified as a likely human carcinogen, and is linked to respiratory illness and increased risk of heart disease.  It can aggravate asthma.  It is a particular hazard to children (whose lungs are still developing) and the elderly (who may have other serious health problems). DPM exposure contributes to premature death. Recent research shows that small particle pollution can have very serious health effects at levels below what air quality standards allow.

Naphthalene is classified as a probable human carcinogen when inhaled. It has also been linked to hemolytic anemia. Residents exposed to this chemical at the levels it has been measured in air outside the JH Baxter plant have elevated risks of cancers and chronic health effects.

Pentachlorophenol is a very toxic chemical and a probable human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to low levels can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, blood, and nervous system. Case reports suggest a link between inhalation exposure and Hodgkins disease, soft tissue sarcoma, and acute leukemia.  Studies in animals suggest that the endocrine system and immune system can also be damaged by long-term exposure to low levels of pentachlorophenol. 

Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, and has been linked to nasal cancer and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).  It can cause watery or burning eyes, throat irritation, nausea, difficulty in breathing, coughing, fatigue, skin rash, or severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Chemical odors can trigger acute asthma attacks which can be life threatening. They can also cause eye, nose and lung irritation.

Air pollution is a serious health concern.  It can aggravate asthma or respiratory illness, and has been linked to increased rates of lung cancer and premature death. Scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. In addition, they have no way to evaluate the hazards of complex mixtures of air toxics. 

What You Can Do?

It is long past time for Union Pacific and our government agencies and local industries to reduce air pollution and protect the health of residents near the railyard and industrial corridor.  Make sure they hear from you!

Contact the Railroad Pollution Coalition (RPC):

The Railyard Pollution Coalition is a coalition of representatives from four neighborhoods adjacent to the railyard—Trainsong, River Road, Bethel, and Whiteaker - and Oregon Toxics Alliance. RPC believes that west Eugene residents have a right to be protected from railyard and industrial air pollution, and that it is time for action to reduce their exposures.  To join our efforts, contact us using the information at the bottom of this page.

Contact Union Pacific Railroad and Government Policymakers

Send the message that air pollution is a very serious health concern. It also reduces our quality of life and our ability to enjoy our yards, homes, and local parks. Urge them to ensure the following action is taken: