Showing papers on "Air quality index published in 1969"
TL;DR: A new mathematical model, described herein, gives mathematically sound results for all averaging times, and the two dominant features are derived from observations that indicate that air pollutant concentrations are approximately lognormally distributed for all pollutants in all cities for all averaged times.
Abstract: A previous mathematical model of air pollutant concentration, averaging time, and frequency gave results close to actual measurements for the relatively short averaging times for which it was used. However, recent calculations show that mathematically unsound results are obtained with the model for averaging times longer than one month. A new mathematical model, described herein, gives mathematically sound results for all averaging times. The two dominant features of this new model are derived from observations that indicate: (1) air pollutant concentrations are approximately lognormally distributed for all pollutants in all cities for all averaging times; and (2) median concentration is proportional to averaging time to an exponent. Applications to problems air pollutant effects and air quality standards are shown.
137 citations
TL;DR: The atmosphere's role in influencing the distribution of the materials which cause air pollution and the uses to which an understanding of meteorological factors can be put in air pollu tion control are limited.
Abstract: AS THE world's population and industrialization grow, air pollution (Figs. 1 and 2) becomes a progressively more serious problem. The control of air pollution requires the involvement of scientists from many disciplines: physics, chemistry, chemical and mechanical engineering, meteorology, economics, and politics. The amount of control necessary depends on the results of medical and biological studies. Here we will limit ourselves only to the atmosphere's role in influencing the distribution of the materials which cause air pollution and the uses to which an understanding of meteorological factors can be put in air pollu tion control. Air pollution may also affect weather, but this subject will not be taken up. The state of the atmosphere affects, first, many types of sources of pollution. For example, on a cold day, more fuel is used for space heating. Also, solar radiation, which is affected by cloudiness, has an influence on smog production. Second, atmospheric conditions determine the be havior of pollutants after they leave the source or sources until they reach receptors, such as people, animals, or plants. The question to be answered is : given the meteorological conditions, and the characteristics of the source or sources, what will be the concentration of the pollutants at any distance from the sources? The inverse question also is important for some applications : given a region of polluted air, where does the pol lution originate? Finally, the effect of the pollution on the receptor may depend on atmospheric conditions. For example, on a humid day, sulfur dioxide is much more corrosive than on a dry day. Here are some examples of how meteorological information can be used in connection with air pollution problems : 1. It can be used in planning locations of future sources of contam inants. At present, the planning of new industries is governed mostly by the availability of water, labor, raw materials, and transportation, but usually not by the air pollution likely to ensue. Thus, for example, industries tend to follow the bottom of river valleys, where air pollution can be especially severe. In the future, the location of new plants should be influenced also by air pollution considerations, as recommended by the Energy Policy Staff of the President's Office of Science and Tech nology. In the case of the nuclear industry, meteorological factors are even now considered in the planning stage.
14 citations
TL;DR: Present evidence suggests that ozone is the most damaging of all air pollutants affecting vegetation, and is the principal oxidant in the photochemical smog complex.
Abstract: Present evidence suggests that ozone is the most damaging of all air pollutants affecting vegetation. It is the principal oxidant in the photochemical smog complex. Concentrations of ozone have exceeded 0.5 part per million (ppm) in the Los Angeles area. One-tenth of this level for 8 hours is known to injure very sensitive tobacco varieties. Many plant species are visibly affected after a few hours exposure at concentrations much lower than 0.5 ppm. There is also some evidence that ozone reduces plant growth. Many factors must be taken into account when considering standards to protect vegetation from ozone damage. These include ozone concentration and methods of measurement, time of exposure, possible additive effects of other pollutants, sensitivity of plant species, their economic value, and the extent of injury which can be tolerated. The response of a species to the pollutant is conditioned by genetic factors and environmental conditions. Lack of specific routine methods for measuring ozone in ambien...
9 citations
TL;DR: The relationship between pollution by particulate matter and cloud formation is discussed, as are persistence of fog and the observation that certain sources of particulate pollution are also sources of ice nuclei.
Abstract: The role of particulate matter and oxides of sulfur in degradation of the atmospheric environment is discussed. The Federal Air Quality Criteria for these pollutants are analyzed for their conformance with the requirement of the Clean Air Act of 1967 that they reflect the latest scientific knowledge pertinent to the indication of their effects on health and welfare. Visibility reduction by suspended particulate matter is treated and the bases for the criteria issued in the documents “Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter” and “Air Quality Criteria for Sulfur Oxides” are examined. The reactions between particulate matter and gaseous pollutants are discussed, along with the Impact of particulate matter on modifications of weather processes. Local effects, such as precipitation, are considered. The relationship between pollution by particulate matter and cloud formation is discussed, as are persistence of fog and the observation that certain sources of particulate pollution are also sources of ice nuclei.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the problems associated with establishing air quality standards for atmospheric fluorine, and proposed a set of air quality criteria that are useful and accurate summaries of our present scientific knowledge.
Abstract: Air quality standards are a part of our present mandate to apply science and technology to the improvement of our environment The selection of reasonable and adequate standards will depend on the development of air quality criteria that are useful and accurate summaries of our present scientific knowledge The enforcement of standards will require the use of reliable air monitoring methods Thus the immediate technical significance of air quality standards lies not so much in the standards themselves as in the solution of technical problems that must precede and accompany them This paper examines the problems associated with establishing air quality standards for atmospheric fluorine 1 figure
3 citations
3 citations
TL;DR: The Pennsylvania Air Pollution Commission has developed a regulatory program based upon the control of local air pollution problems and reduction of pollutant levels in air basins as discussed by the authors, which will provide for the reduction of over-all pollution levels and for emergency procedures in the event of adverse meteorological conditions.
Abstract: The Pennsylvania Air Pollution Commission has developed a regulatory program based upon the control of local air pollution problems and reduction of pollutant levels in air basins. The geographical boundaries of 10 air basins have been established. The Commission’s air basin regulations will provide for the reduction of over-all pollutant levels and for emergency procedures in the event of adverse meteorological conditions. The paper discusses the format and objectives of the program. In order to effectively enforce the air basin regulations and maintain the necessary surveillance of the state’s air quality, a "computerized real time on-line integrated air monitoring-data handling system" has been designed. The system will incorporate a network to constantly monitor the air in each air basin.The primary objectives of the system are: 1. Constant surveillance of air pollution in the air basins. 2. Provide information on air pollution potential alerts. 3. Aid in further development of air quality criteria an...
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the lack of air pollution considerations in planning at regional and local government levels and discuss the methods being used to control pollution and future outlook and needs.
Abstract: All but one of the Australian States now have legislation to control Air Pollution. These are similar in broad principle and rely upon the system of prior approval and the use of emission limits. At the present time Victoria is the only State with legislation providing for the recycling of crankcase vent gases on motor cars. Methods being used to control pollution and future outlook and needs are discussed. At least 65 per cent of the crude oil requirements should be met by indigenous low sulfur oil by 1975. This fact and the imminent supply of natural gas to the four major cities and to the centers of heavy industrial development should result in a marked reduction in sulfur dioxide concentrations. A major outstanding problem is the lack of air pollution considerations in planning at regional and local government levels.
TL;DR: The adoption of such criteria by a governmental agency is usually hailed by public officials and in newspaper editorials as “a major advancement in cleaning up the air in our community.” But in using this tool its limitations must be understood and the basis of specific criterion must be continually kept in mind as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: There is a widespread belief that Air Quality Criteria (AQC) in themselves are a strong enforcement tool in air pollution control. The adoption of such criteria by a governmental agency is usually hailed by public officials and in newspaper editorials as “a major advancement in cleaning up the air in our community.” Congressional committees, federal grant regulations and governmental, industrial and civic organizations have indicated the desirability of governmental agencies developing AQC. Section 107 (2) (b) of the “Air Quality Act of 1967” provides for AQC to be the basis for control programs in “Air Quality Control Regions.” AQC can be a valuable tool in developing a regulatory program. But in using this tool its limitations must be understood and the basis of specific criterion must be continually kept in mind. AQC need not be the basis for all air pollution regulations or control activities. A community may decide that it does not want any visible emissions. An open burning regulation need not be ba...
01 Jan 1969
TL;DR: Not until air quality objectives have been made operational and a comprehensive control strategy has been adopted will it be possible to make meaningful forecasts of future state and local manpower requirements.
Abstract: A recent survey discloses that the total number of professional and technical personnel currently employed in state and local air pollution control agencies is small relative to the total employment of scientists, engineers, and technicians in state and local government generally. The data also indicate that very few positions in control agencies require specialized formal training in air pollution control prior to employment. In general, the future demand for qualified personnel to staff state and local programs depends fundamentally upon our national air quality objectives and the abatement strategy for achieving these objectives. Not until air quality objectives have been made operational and a comprehensive control strategy has been adopted will it be possible to make meaningful forecasts of future state and local manpower requirements. State and local control agencies could probably meet their present requirements by attracting qualified scientists, engineers, and technicians from other fields, if th...
TL;DR: A review of the TVA air quality control and studies program since 1950 when the first large coal-burning steam-electric generation station was authorized is given in this paper, which identifies the principal atmospheric emission from both power and chemical operations and describes methods and progress for controls.
Abstract: This article reviews the TVA air quality control and studies program since 1950 when the first large coal-burning steam-electric generation station was authorized. It identifies the principal atmospheric emission from both power and chemical operations and describes methods and progress for controls. The scope and magnitude of operations are reviewed. Summary accounts of principal study activities such as engineering appraisals, preoperational documentation, postoperational monitoring, and special diffusion studies are presented. Special studies have included (1) A 5-yr program for definition of plume dispersion rates for principal dispersion models; (2) a 3-yr study of plume rise from plants having a wide range of unit sizes, unit configurations, and stack heights; and (3) a 2-yr study for definition of inversion breakup from large power plant plumes. A summary description is also provided of the air quality program related to the 3,456-MWe Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant.
TL;DR: The study was undertaken to evaluate the technical alternatives for handling gaseous and particulate emissions from coal-fired boilers and to determine the feasibility of meeting several standards simultaneously.
Abstract: Gaseous wastes and particulate emissions are produced in the process of burning coal to produce electrical energy In attempting to control these gaseous wastes, changes in the operation efficiency of boilers and secondary equipment are likely to result, and in addition liquid and solid waste streams are produced The interrelationships among the various forms of wastes and the effects of air quality control on process efficiency are often overlooked in studies of environmental quality management The study was undertaken to evaluate the technical alternatives for handling gaseous and particulate emissions from coal-fired boilers and to determine the feasibility of meeting several standards simultaneously The gaseous emissions of major importance in the combustion of coal are parti culates, oxides of sulfur, and oxides of nitrogen Particulates can be controlled by a tradeoff among further preparation at the mine (for additional ash removal), type of boiler, use of dust control equipment and high stacks
TL;DR: A method of deriving 3 air pollution potential indexes based on selected climatic data and meso-climate topographic factors have been developed, though not yet adequately field tested, for use by engineers in choosing between alternate factory sites.
Abstract: A method of deriving 3 air pollution potential indexes based on selected climatic data and meso-climate topographic factors have been developed, though not yet adequately field tested, for use by engineers in choosing between alternate factory sites. Three indexes, one for general air pollution, one for photoreac-tive air pollutants, and one for fog-reactive air pollutants, the latter two based on the first one plus sunshine and humidity factors respectively, are presented. These indexes vary with locations, not with air pollutants or time. The first index, called the GSI (General Stagnation Index) is based on a series of national maps which present a variety of climatic parameters pertinent to air pollution potential for the mid-season months of July and October. These maps, useful by themselves, have been derived from climate records from 129 Weather Bureau airport stations and from radiosonde data. The parameters used include wind speed percentages in the 0-3 and 0-12 mile/hr categories, cloud cover pe...