Community Air Risk Evaluation Program

The Community Air Risk Evaluation Program unites government, communities, and businesses to address areas of concentrated air pollution and related public health effects in the Bay Area.

While overall air pollution continues to decrease in the Bay Area, some communities still experience higher pollution levels than others. These communities are generally near pollution sources (such as freeways, busy distribution centers, and large industrial facilities) and negative impacts on public health in these areas are greater. The CARE Program aims to reduce these health impacts linked to local air quality.

The goals of the CARE Program are to:

  • Identify areas where air pollution contributes most to health impacts and where populations are most vulnerable to air pollution.
  • Apply sound scientific methods and strategies to reduce health impacts in these areas.
  • Engage community groups and other agencies to develop additional actions to reduce local health impacts.

Impacted Areas

The map below shows areas with elevated pollution levels based on detailed emissions inventories and air dispersion modeling that the Air District has identified as impacted. ArcGIS shapefiles for these areas  as well as a PDF map  are also available.

CARE Program Report

In 2014, the Air District issued a report summarizing the accomplishments of the CARE Program and appointed Task Force over the past decade. The report describes how the program provides a useful framework for guiding policy decisions, developing effective air quality programs in impacted areas, and fostering positive partnerships with community groups.

This report, local field studies, and other CARE Program documents are available for review.

Contact Us

Virginia Lau
Advanced Project Advisor, Planning and Climate Protection

415.749.4696 vlau@baaqmd.gov

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Spare the Air Status

Last Updated: 8/3/2023