We're making progress, but when the EPA does another study, I think they'll find that there won't be an air toxics problem in New Jersey. The EPA is in the process of updating the study to include 1996 data, and is expected to release it at the end of the year. In the current study, some chemicals exceeded the cancer benchmark by a significant amount. Benzene, a component of gasoline, exceeds the benchmark by 30 times, while 1,3 butadiene, also in gas, exceeds the benchmark by 50 times. The DEP estimates that nearly 30 percent of the toxic chemicals come from cars, trucks, and other mobile sources.
Gasoline is one of the most toxic substances in common use and it is everywhere.
Hal Bozarth, a lobbyist for the chemical industry, said chemical companies have made great strides in reducing the amount of chemicals reduced into the air by 50 percent. By far, the largest source of air toxins is from solvents, which include the household paints and pesticides and the liquid used to dry clean fine garments. They are writing to the governor to protest that any sale would be contrary to the goal of preserving open space. It's a report that recommends selling similarly valuable state land that surrounds Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morris County. Unlike the situation in Marlboro, elected officials at the local, county and state level in Morris County are united in their opposition to selling the Greystone Park land.