Air pollution hazards: Petroleum refineries are a major source of hazardous and toxic air pollutants such as BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene).

How much do refineries pollute the air?

Refineries reported approximately 22,000 tons of hazardous air pollution to the U.S. Environmental Pro- tection Agency (EPA) in 2010.

Is it bad to live next to a refinery?

According to the California government, some adverse health effects living near a refinery include: increased risk of asthma, cancers, birth defects, neurological damage, cardiovascular damage, difficulty breathing, and blood disorders.