Regulators Find Chevron Richmond Refinery Emissions Have Elevated Risks For Cancer, Other Health Effects

CBS Bay Area

August 26, 2026

The air pollution from the Chevron Richmond Refinery carries levels of estimated cancer and short-term health risks above allowable levels, according to a new report from Bay Area air regulators.

The Bay Area Air District on Tuesday released a preliminary health risk assessment of the refinery's emissions to determine if the facility's health risks to workers and nearby residents are at or below risk action levels. The assessment found the cancer risk for residents was 37 in a million, meaning 37 additional chances in a million of developing cancer over a lifetime of exposure. Air district rules require facilities to implement a plan to reduce health risk if it equals or exceeds 10 in a million.

The assessment also found short-term non-cancer health risk above the allowable threshold from being exposed to toxic air contaminants for an hour, while long-term risk of non-cancer health effects fell below the threshold.

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