San Diego County, California Pollution
10 top TRI facilities tracked here. PM2.5 annual mean (NAAQS 9 µg/m³ (annual)) rose modestly year over year (+6%). PM2.5 annual mean (NAAQS 9 µg/m³ (annual)) concentrations have fallen 39% since 2010.
FIPS 06073 · population 3,289,701
Where Chemicals Are Released In San Diego County
Each red dot is one of the top TRI facilities. Size reflects 2024 total releases. County boundary outlined in blue.
San Diego County Pollutant Multi-Year Trends
PM2.5 annual mean (NAAQS 9 µg/m³ (annual))Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
PM2.5 annual mean (NAAQS 9 µg/m³ (annual)) concentrations have fallen 39% since 2010.
PM2.5 24-hour 98th percentile (NAAQS 35 µg/m³ (24-hour))Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
PM2.5 24-hour 98th percentile (NAAQS 35 µg/m³ (24-hour)) concentrations have more than halved since 2010.
Ozone 8-hour 4th-highest daily max (NAAQS 0.070 ppm (8-hour))Health riskGround-level ozone (smog) forms when vehicle and industrial emissions react in sunlight. Inflames the airways, triggers asthma attacks, and worsens heart and lung disease.
Ozone 8-hour 4th-highest daily max (NAAQS 0.070 ppm (8-hour)) concentrations are roughly unchanged from 2010.
NO₂ annual mean (NAAQS 53 ppb (annual))Health riskA tailpipe and combustion gas. Concentrates near busy roads and industrial sites; raises risk of airway inflammation, asthma, and lower respiratory infections in children.
NO₂ annual mean (NAAQS 53 ppb (annual)) concentrations have more than halved since 2010.
Lifetime cancer risk all pollutants (100 in a million (EPA elevated threshold))Health riskEPA-modeled added cancer cases per million residents from a lifetime of breathing local air toxics. EPA flags 100-in-a-million as elevated.
Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.
Formaldehyde ambient mean (0.077 µg/m³ (1-in-a-million URE))Health riskAn air toxic emitted by refineries, wood products, and combustion. EPA classifies it as a known human carcinogen — long-term inhalation raises cancer risk.
Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.
Benzene ambient mean (0.13 µg/m³ (1-in-a-million URE))Health riskAn air toxic from gasoline, refineries, and tobacco smoke. A known human carcinogen — chronic exposure is linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.
Single-vintage exposure modeling — EPA cadence is multi-year, so no trend line yet.
TRI air releases (5.1 fugitive + 5.2 stack)Health riskToxic chemicals reported by industrial facilities as released into the air — fugitive leaks plus smokestack emissions. Higher pounds means more inhaled exposure for nearby residents.
TRI air releases (5.1 fugitive + 5.2 stack) concentrations have fallen 33% since 2010.
TRI water releases (5.3)Health riskToxic chemicals reported by industrial facilities as discharged to surface waters (rivers, lakes, the ocean). Affects fishing, recreation, and downstream drinking-water intakes.
TRI water releases (5.3) concentrations are up 78% since 2010.
TRI land + off-site releasesHealth riskToxic chemicals released to land on-site or transferred off-site for disposal — landfills, deep-well injection, and similar. Risks groundwater contamination over time.
TRI land + off-site releases concentrations have fallen 24% since 2010.
Greenhouse gases (GHGRP large emitters, through 2023)Health riskGreenhouse gases reported by large industrial emitters under EPA's GHGRP, in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. Drives climate warming and the heat-related health effects that follow.
Greenhouse gases (GHGRP large emitters, through 2023) concentrations have fallen 26% since 2010.
Where The Chemical Releases Are Concentrated
| Facility | City | Top chemical | Total releases | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Marine Corps Mcb Camp PendletonUS Department Of Defense | Camp Pendleton | Lead And Lead CompoundsHealth riskNeurotoxin. Even low childhood exposure impairs cognitive development; chronic adult exposure damages kidneys and the cardiovascular system. (EPA, ATSDR) | 415k lb | -26% |
| General Dynamics (Nassco)General Dynamics CORP | San Diego | Xylene (mixed isomers)Health riskEye, skin, and respiratory irritant; central-nervous-system effects from chronic exposure. (EPA) | 128k lb | -19% |
| Gkn Aerospace Chem-Tronics INCGkn Aerospace US Holdings LLC (Delaware Llc) | El Cajon | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)Health riskDrinking-water nitrate causes methemoglobinemia ('blue-baby syndrome') in infants; EPA MCL is 10 mg/L as N. (EPA) | 56k lb | +11% |
| U.S. Naval Air Station North IslandUS Department Of Defense | San Diego | Methyl isobutyl ketoneHealth riskEye, skin, and respiratory irritant; central-nervous-system depressant at high exposure. (NIOSH) | 38k lb | -10% |
| Polypeptide Laboratories San DiegoPolypeptide Laboratories INC | San Diego | N,N-DimethylformamideHealth riskHepatotoxin; absorbed through skin; IARC Group 2A probable carcinogen. (IARC) | 30k lb | +9689% |
| Bae Systems San Diego Ship RepairBae Systems INC | San Diego | Aluminum oxide (fibrous forms)Health riskFibrous forms can damage the lungs similar to other particulate dusts. (NIOSH) | 30k lb | -92% |
| Honeywell Industrial SafetyHoneywell International INC | San Diego | Toluene diisocyanate (mixed isomers)Health riskSevere respiratory sensitizer; leading cause of occupational asthma; IARC Group 2B. (IARC, OSHA) | 26k lb | — |
| US Marine Corps Air Station MiramarUS Department Of Defense | San Diego | LeadHealth riskNeurotoxin. Even low childhood exposure impairs cognitive development; chronic adult exposure damages kidneys and the cardiovascular system. (EPA, ATSDR) | 25k lb | +8% |
| US Navy Silver Strand Training Complex (Sstc)US Department Of Defense | Coronado | Lead And Lead CompoundsHealth riskNeurotoxin. Even low childhood exposure impairs cognitive development; chronic adult exposure damages kidneys and the cardiovascular system. (EPA, ATSDR) | 21k lb | -14% |
| Integrated Dna TechnologiesDanaher CORP | San Diego | AcetonitrileHealth riskMetabolizes to cyanide in the body; high exposure causes nausea, weakness, and respiratory effects. (ATSDR) | 11k lb | +41% |
Federal Cleanup Sites In San Diego County
Sites on EPA's Superfund National Priorities List, plus deleted sites whose cleanup objectives EPA has finalized. Federal-facility sites (defense, DOE, etc.) are flagged separately. Each link routes to a per-site page.
| Site | City | Status | Federal facility | Primary contaminant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base | Camp Pendleton Mainside | NPL FINAL | FEDERAL | TrichloroetheneHealth riskTCE. IARC Group 1 carcinogen — kidney cancer; suspected liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. EPA MCL 5 µg/L; common DNAPL groundwater plume contaminant. (IARC, EPA, ATSDR) |
Who Lives In San Diego County
All block groups in San Diego County County, CA: 3,289,701 residents. County disparity score for pm2.5 (fine particulate) sits moderately above the reference (136). Why we surface this →
Low-income
People of color
Under age 5
Over age 64
- PM2.5 (fine particulate)Health riskFine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream — linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.92in the highest 10% nationally
- OzoneHealth riskGround-level ozone (smog) inflames the airways. Even short exposures trigger asthma attacks and worsen chronic lung and heart disease.85in the highest 20% nationally
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)Health riskA tailpipe and combustion gas. Concentrates near busy roads and industrial sites; raises risk of airway inflammation, asthma, and lower respiratory infections in children.55near the national median
- Diesel particulateHealth riskSoot from diesel engines (trucks, trains, ports, construction). EPA classifies it as a likely human carcinogen and a major driver of childhood asthma near freight corridors.74above the national median
- Toxic releases (RSEI)Health riskEPA's Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators score — weights TRI chemical releases by toxicity, where they go, and how many people are nearby. Higher means greater modeled cancer and chronic-health risk.22below the national median
- Traffic proximityHealth riskPopulation-weighted distance to high-volume roads. Living close to heavy traffic raises exposure to PM2.5, NO₂, and diesel exhaust — and the cardiovascular and asthma risks that follow.88in the highest 20% nationally
- Lead-paint risk (pre-1960 housing)Health riskShare of housing built before 1960, when lead-based paint was common. Dust from deteriorating paint is the leading cause of childhood lead poisoning, which permanently impairs cognitive development.52near the national median
- Superfund site proximityHealth riskPopulation-weighted distance to NPL Superfund sites — the most contaminated waste sites in the country. Nearby groundwater, soil, and air can carry industrial solvents, metals, and other long-lived contaminants.68above the national median
- RMP-facility proximityHealth riskDistance to facilities holding chemicals at quantities large enough to require an EPA Risk Management Plan (refineries, fertilizer plants, etc.). These pose acute exposure risk during accidental releases.50near the national median
- Hazardous-waste site proximityHealth riskDistance to RCRA hazardous-waste handlers (treatment, storage, disposal facilities). Indicates potential exposure to industrial chemicals in air, soil, and groundwater.90in the highest 10% nationally
- Underground storage tanksHealth riskDensity of underground tanks (gasoline, heating oil, industrial fluids). Leaking tanks are a leading source of benzene and other volatile organic compounds in groundwater drinking-water supplies.28below the national median
- NPDES wastewater proximityHealth riskDistance to permitted industrial wastewater dischargers. Closer proximity raises exposure to pollutants released into surface waters used for fishing, recreation, and downstream drinking-water intakes.90in the highest 10% nationally
- Drinking-water non-complianceHealth riskEPA score for public water systems with health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violations. Higher means more residents on systems that recently exceeded safe limits for contaminants like lead, arsenic, or nitrate.76above the national median
| Indicator | Disparity score | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (fine particulate) | 136 | moderately above the reference |
| Ozone | 93 | near the reference |
| Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) | 83 | below the reference |
| Diesel particulate | 105 | near the reference |
| Toxic releases (RSEI) | 26 | well below the reference |
| Traffic proximity | 118 | moderately above the reference |
| Lead-paint risk (pre-1960 housing) | 54 | below the reference |
| Superfund site proximity | 13 | well below the reference |
| RMP-facility proximity | 64 | below the reference |
| Hazardous-waste site proximity | 125 | moderately above the reference |
| Underground storage tanks | 0 | well below the reference |
| NPDES wastewater proximity | 98 | near the reference |
| Drinking-water non-compliance | 1 | well below the reference |
Source: Census ACS 2018-2022 (5-year) + USEPA-clone EJ blockgroup stats (raw indicators + EJ disparity mirror).
Co-Located Health Indicators
Modeled adult-prevalence estimates published by CDC PLACES, paired with this county's pollution and demographic context. Comparisons are ecological, not causal — pollution and disease prevalence covary at the area level, but the data does not attribute any individual's diagnosis to local exposure. How this section works →
Adult asthma (current)
CDC PLACES · 2025 release · BRFSS 2022-2023
COPD prevalence
CDC PLACES · 2025 release · BRFSS 2022-2023
Coronary heart disease
CDC PLACES · 2025 release · BRFSS 2022-2023
Diabetes (diagnosed)
CDC PLACES · 2025 release · BRFSS 2022-2023
Frequent mental distress
CDC PLACES · 2025 release · BRFSS 2022-2023
PLACES uses BRFSS-modeled small-area estimates, not individual records. Crude prevalence shown above is the local rate as published; comparators are age-adjusted vs the California mean and the US mean — both population-weighted across counties — so geographies with different age structures stay apples-to-apples. Sources: CDC PLACES · 2025 release · BRFSS 2022-2023.
All 32 San Diego County Cities With TRI Data
Pollution trends and TRI 2024 pages for every tracked city in this county. Alphabetical.
- Alpine pollution· 0 facilities
- Bonita pollution· 0 facilities
- Borrego Springs pollution· 0 facilities
- Bostonia pollution· 1 facility
- Camp Pendleton Mainside pollution· 1 facility
- Campo pollution· 0 facilities
- Carlsbad pollution· 2 facilities
- Chula Vista pollution· 0 facilities
- Coronado pollution· 2 facilities
- Del Mar pollution· 0 facilities
- El Cajon pollution· 2 facilities
- Encinitas pollution· 0 facilities
- Escondido pollution· 1 facility
- Fallbrook pollution· 0 facilities
- Imperial Beach pollution· 0 facilities
- Jacumba pollution· 0 facilities
- Jamul pollution· 0 facilities
- Julian pollution· 0 facilities
- La Mesa pollution· 0 facilities
- Lakeside pollution· 1 facility
- National City pollution· 1 facility
- Oceanside pollution· 2 facilities
- Pine Valley pollution· 0 facilities
- Poway pollution· 4 facilities
- Ramona pollution· 0 facilities
- Rancho Santa Fe pollution· 0 facilities
- San Diego pollution· 35 facilities
- San Marcos pollution· 0 facilities
- Santee pollution· 0 facilities
- Spring Valley pollution· 0 facilities
- Valley Center pollution· 0 facilities
- Vista pollution· 1 facility
Sources.
- EPA Toxics Release Inventory · retrieved 2026-05-07.
All sources are federal public-domain datasets under 17 USC §105. We aggregate but do not relabel; the underlying observations remain attributable to EPA.