Air sampling readings
The Navy is monitoring the air in and around the Shipyard to check for the presence of harmful substances like lead, asbestos, and methane. Check the Navy’s website for recent air sampling readings here. You can take action to improve the quality of the air you breathe inside to reduce the health impacts of bad quality air.
Industrial uses
The Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood has one of the heaviest concentrations of industrial uses in San Francisco. These past industrial uses, like the Shipyard operations and present industrial uses have resulted in contaminated soil and water, industrial emissions, and exhaust from motor vehicles. These environmental conditions can make breathing conditions, like asthma, worse.
Take steps to improve your indoor air quality
It is important to take steps to improve your indoor air quality and get medical treatment for breathing conditions.
Contact your primary healthcare provider first for help with treatment and advice about breathing conditions. You can also see more resources about breathing illnesses here.
Reports concerns about air pollution
Reports concerns about air pollution
If see concerning air pollution at the Shipyard like excessive dust, smoke, or odor, you can:
- Report the object to the Navy by leaving a message on the Shipyard Information line by calling 415-295-4742
- File a complaint with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District using the online form or call 800-334-6367
Increase your indoor air quality and reduce exposure to polluted air
Increase your indoor air quality and reduce exposure to polluted air
Follow the recommendations below to improve the quality of the air you breathe inside and outside your home.
- Check outdoor air quality alerts
Subscribe to receive alerts to notify you when the outdoor air is unhealthy. Sign up on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District website here.
- Limit exposure to cigarette smoke
Smoking and secondhand causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, and many other bad health outcomes. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for respiratory diseases and other harmful health effects.
If you need help to quit smoking or vaping, get support here.
- Reduce moisture and humidity indoors
To remove extra moisture indoors, use a fan, dehumidifier, or open windows to circulate air. Also, be sure to keep all surfaces dry. You can put baking soda in a container to absorb moisture.
Report all plumbing leaks and moisture problems immediately to your building owner, manager, or superintendent. If you have problems with getting your landlord to make repairs, learn about steps that you can take here.
- Reduce indoor floor and window coverings
Floor and window coverings like carpet and curtains can contain allergens, like dust and mold. These allergens may make breathing conditions like asthma worse.
- Use an air purifier
Air purifiers can clean the indoor air of dust. Keep in mind that some air purifiers work better than others. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air filters will remove 99.97% of pollutants in the air while other air filters maybe less effective. Remember to regularly replace the filters.
If you cannot buy air purifiers for your entire home, focus on a clean room for sleeping.