Public Health in the Rockies 2026

In June 2022, House Bill 22-1244: The Public Protections From Toxic Air Contaminants Act was signed into state law. This talk will focus on how fundamental concepts in toxicology and human health risk assessment were integrated into several aspects of the implementation of this law. This talk will include an overview of the air toxics law and will provide in-depth discussion on the elements most directly tied to human health. We will review how health risk estimates informed the selection of the priority toxic air contaminants: formaldehyde, benzene, hexavalent chromium, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen sulfide. We will discuss the approach and health basis of ambient air benchmarks and emission reporting thresholds. Finally we will review how health risk estimates were used in the most recent emission control regulations adopted for formaldehyde. Taken together, this talk will provide participants with an update on Colorado’s progress related to the regulation of air toxics. This talk will provide a case study in how fundamental concepts in toxicology and human health risk assessment can inform regulations. Finally, participants will learn about ways to stay informed and involved in future activities related to air toxics.