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Texas Underestimating Cancer Risk from Air Pollution, Critics Allege

Summary

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is accused of underestimating cancer risks associated with air pollution by using an older algorithm to analyze emissions instead of the updated version recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Critics argue that this practice could lead to higher exposure to cancer-causing compounds, especially in areas with a significant petrochemical industry footprint, making Texas the world's largest. The TCEQ allows the use of an alternative algorithm for some projects, and despite plans to set a cancer risk target at 1 in 100,000, health advocates fear this may result in more cancer cases. The TCEQ justifies its approach, stating it aligns with EPA risk guidelines, but critics argue that the older algorithm could lead to an underestimation of actual risks, especially in areas with high cumulative exposure. The controversy is particularly significant given the global attention to environmental health issues and the ongoing expansion of the petrochemical industry in Texas.

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