Showing papers on "Air quality index published in 1979"
TL;DR: In this article, the benefits and costs of air quality control for an urban region in Florida were analyzed using the spatial distribution of emission sources, ambient levels resulting from local meteorological conditions and geographic features, and socioeconomic characteristics of the impacted population groups.
102 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors apply extreme value statistics to air quality data and apply it to the analysis of long term air pollution data collected by the South Coast Air Pollution Control District.
Abstract: In the field of air pollution control, the rare event is often of more significance than the common event. This is evidenced by the content of air quality standards which define acceptable upper limits of air pollution concentrations and acceptable frequencies with which such concentrations can be exceeded. The principles of extreme value statistics provide important tools for analyzing air quality data in an appropriately significant context. Part II of the paper presents applications of the theory to air quality data. First, application is made to decisions regarding the length of air monitoring experiments and the length of data records for dis-person analyses. The theory is then applied to the analysis of long term air pollution data collected by the South Coast Air Pollution Control District. The interrelations between extremes from monthly and annual samples are noted and are shown to be consistent with theory.
84 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed the principles of extreme value statistics and derived approximate probability distributions in terms of the total population probability function, with particular emphasis on the second largest value and its relation to the largest value.
Abstract: In the field of air pollution control, the rare event is often of more significance than the common event. This is evidenced by the content of air quality standards which define acceptable upper limits of air pollution concentrations and acceptable frequencies with which such concentrations can be exceeded. The principles of extreme value statistics provide important tools for analyzing air quality data in an appropriately significant context. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First the principles of extreme value statistics are reviewed. The presentation is decidedly utilitarian; no attempt is made to derive more than the simplest propositions. The underlying assumptions of the theory are carefully pointed out and discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the second largest value and its relation to the largest value. Exact probability distributions, and approximations to them, are derived in terms of the total population probability function. The more familiar and useful asymptotic distributions a...
59 citations
50 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the importance of mixing depth, ventilation, and in particular the stability above the well-mixed (adiabatic) layer of air quality in Denver is discussed.
49 citations
TL;DR: A brief history of particulate levels in the central city area of Pittsburgh from the eighteenth century to the present is traced in this paper, where economic conditions and social attitudes, which are key factors in understanding temporal variations in air pollution, are considered in the analysis.
Abstract: The abundance of high volatile-content coal in the Pittsburgh area was responsible for air pollution that plagued the city for nearly two centuries. Outcries for abatement were heard as early as 1804. Successful smoke control was finally achieved in the late 1940's. A brief history of particulate levels in the central city area of Pittsburgh from the eighteenth century to the present is traced. Economic conditions and social attitudes, which are key factors in understanding temporal variations in air pollution, are considered in the analysis. 55 references, 2 tables.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the results of a field study utilizing ground-based and aircraft measurements of meteorological parameters and several air pollutants are described for two summer periods in the vicinity of Yosemite National Park, California.
Abstract: The results of a field study utilizing ground-based and aircraft measurements of meteorological parameters and several air pollutants are described for two summer periods in the vicinity of Yosemite National Park, California. These results are related to observed air quality and atmospheric circulation patterns in neighboring parts of the state and to transport by the local mountain-valley wind system. The conclusion is reached that maximum air quality degradation in the study area does not occur during persistent periods of large-scale stagnation, but occurs as the result of transport from area sources up to 200 km away by the typical extended sea breeze circulation which develops following such a period.
30 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of air quality models through comparison of observed and predicted concentrations is summarized and categorized based on techniques for analyzing residuals, trends, and common air quality indices.
28 citations
Journal Article•
[...]
20 citations
TL;DR: Anthropogenic sulfur dioxide emissions in Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) member countries are estimated at 100 million tons/yr, or 75% of mankind's total sulfur emission to the atmosphere.
Abstract: Anthropogenic sulfur dioxide emissions in Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) member countries are estimated at 100 million tons/yr, or 75% of mankind's total sulfur emission to the atmosphere. By 1985, emissions from the European Economic Community and the OECD should increase by 20 to 25%; forecasts for 2000 are less clear, lying between 12.5% and 60% of their 1976 value. In 1978, nitrogen oxide emissions from the EEC countries were probably 50 to 60 million tons/yr as nitrogen dioxide. The future growth rate of nitrogen oxide emissions is estimated at 40%/decade, but this will probably not be attained if present energy shortages continue. The atmospheric chemistry of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides; LRTAP climatology; the effects of air pollutants on human health, vegetation, aquatic ecosystems, materials and buildings, and visibility; costs of air pollution damage; abatement options (use of low-sulfur petroleum- and coal-derived fuels, desulfurization of flue gases, fluidized bed combustion, energy conservation, use of tall stacks, and liming); and their costs are discussed. 96 references.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, regression models were formulated to explain health-care visits to a group practice medical care plan, and the authors found only a small effect of air pollution levels on the health care visits to the group practice, while other variables such as meteorological conditions, as well as other variables thought to influence the consumption of medical services, were included in the models as explanatory variables.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Air disinfection would supplement immunization in the control of respiratory infection and might be cost effective and effective in preventing measles in air conditioned buildings.
Abstract: Stimulated by an outbreak of measles that was spread throughout a school by the ventilating system, we looked into the possibility of preventing this hazard in air conditioned buildings. The amount of air recirculated by air conditioning systems increases as the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air increases and often exceeds 70 per cent. Germicidal u.v. radiation in central supply ducts seems almost ideally suited for disinfecting recirculated air, being effective, safe, and cheap. The effectiveness of disinfecting recirculated air in blocking person to person transmission of airborne infection can be predicted to be great at the beginning of a potential outbreak and negligible during an established epidemic. Infection introduced by the air conditioning process, recently implicated in causing Legionnaires' Disease, might also be prevented. Air disinfection would supplement immunization in the control of respiratory infection and might be cost effective.
01 Feb 1979
TL;DR: In this article, empirical results obtained from two experiments to measure the health and aesthetic benefits of air pollution control are presented. But these results are limited to single-family residential property transactions and do not consider the effects of air quality deterioration on housing prices and these effects are comparable to what people say they are willing to pay for improved air quality.
Abstract: This volume includes the empirical results obtained from two experiments to measure the health and aesthetic benefits of air pollution control. Each experiment involved the same six neighborhood pairs, where the pairings were made on the basis of similarities in housing characteristics, socio-economic factors, distances to beaches and services, average temperatures, and subjective indicators of housing quality. Data on actual market transactions, as registered in single-family residential property transactions, and on stated preferences for air quality, as revealed in neighborhood surveys, were collected. Given various assumptions on income, location, aggregation by areas, specific housing characteristics, and knowledge of the health effects of air pollution, both the survey and the property value experiments yielded estimates of willingness to pay for an improvement from 'poor' to 'fair' air quality of from $20 to $150 per month per household. The results, therefore, indicate that air quality deterioration in the Los Angeles area has had substantial negative effects on housing prices and that these effects are comparable in magnitude to what people say they are willing to pay for improved air quality.
TL;DR: In this article, a regional-scale air pollution model was used to assess the impact of pollutant emissions on air quality at large distances, based on the numerical solution of the atmospheric diffusion equation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarized the USAF efforts to measure and model airport pollution and concluded that the Williams study, soon to be completed, will greatly aid in determining the accuracy of airport air pollution dispersion models, that air quality modeling studies have shown that state-of-the-art Air Force engines cannot be cost effectively modified to reduce pollution except possibly in the hydrocarbon area and that, at present, unpredictable thermal plume rise of aircraft exhausts renders model ineffective at locations close (<1 km) to the source.
Abstract: This paper is of interest to those involved in regulation and analysis of aircraft related air pollution problems. USAF efforts to measure and model airport pollution are summarized. Efforts include: (1) a joint EPA study at Williams AFB, AZ which involves both modeling and measurement, (2) photographic studies to track plume rise, (3) theoretical modeling studies to analyze airport pollution. The author concludes that the Williams study, soon to be completed, will greatly aid in determining the accuracy of airport air pollution dispersion models, that air quality modeling studies have shown that state-of-the-art Air Force engines cannot be cost effectively modified to reduce pollution except possibly in the hydrocarbon area and that, at present, unpredictable thermal plume rise of aircraft exhausts renders model ineffective at locations close (<1 km) to the source.
01 Jul 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, the ASHRAE standards committee is revising codes for natural and mechanical ventilation, and concerns about indoor air quality are discussed, with the aim of reducing the energy requirements for thermal control.
Abstract: Arbitrary changes to codes and standards that could jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of building occupants are being proposed in the name of energy conservation. Many factors can influence indoor air quality. If sufficient ventilation rates to meet foreseeable variabilities are not prescribed, the resultant low level of indoor air quality could be deleterious to health; but if sufficient ventilation rates are prescribed to meet all contingencies, the energy requirements for thermal control will be excessive. An ASHRAE standards committee is revising codes for natural and mechanical ventilation. Concerns about indoor air quality are discussed. (3 graphs, 22 references, 4 tables)
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, a map consisting of five zones which reflected variances in the composition of the lichen flora along air pollution gradients was constructed to evaluate the distribution of lichen species.
Abstract: Lichen species were sampled at 85 sites within the City of Seattle. These data, expressed numerically, were used to construct a map consisting of five zones which reflected variances in the composition of the lichen flora along air pollution gradients. The topography of the city, land use patterns, and prevailing winds were found to affect the dispersion of air pollutants and therefore the distribution of lichen species.
01 Apr 1979
TL;DR: In this article, a model for calculating quasi-steady-state longitudinal air velocities and pollutant concentrations in highway tunnels is presented. And the TUNVEN computer program obtains numerical solutions for the model and allows the ventilation rate needed for safe tunnel operation to be quickly determined.
Abstract: All factors affecting aerodynamic flow and air quality in highway tunnels are identified and a model developed for calculating quasi-steady-state longitudinal air velocities and pollutant concentrations. The TUNVEN computer program obtains numerical solutions for the model and allows the ventilation rate needed for safe tunnel operation to be quickly determined. The model is used to calculate tunnel air quality with different ventilation systems, traffic conditions, tunnel length and other parameters. Guidelines are given for choosing an appropriate ventilation system and for developing air qualtiy management plans. Air flow along ventilation ducts is analyzed and a finite step model developed. The DUCT computer program gives numerical solutions for inflow semi-transverse ventilation systems. Examples are given for determining port areas for uniform flow and port flows when the areas are specified. A heat balance for highway tunnels is presented and used to investigate temperature and humidity effects. Conditions necessary for fog formation are determined and the incidence and control of fires discussed. The use of air purification systems in highway tunnel is investigated. Technically feasible processes are identified and costs compared with augmented ventilation. (FHWA)
01 Jul 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, the US Federal and New York State air quality standards are introduced and the environmental engineering significance of controlling the major atmospheric pollutants are discussed, and a FORTRAN computer program is presented for the computation of the air quality control indices.
Abstract: The US Federal and New York State air quality standards are introduced. The environmental engineering significance of controlling the major atmospheric pollutants are discussed. Major emphasis is placed on the introduction of the following mathematical models for effective air quality control: the Mitre Air Quality Index and the Extreme Value Index recommended by Mitre Corporation; the Oak Ridge Air Quality Index developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory; and the mathematical models adopted by the Pennsylvania State Department of Health for determining the effective stack height, and the allowable emission rates of suspended particulate matter and particle fall from air contamination sources. A FORTRAN computer program is presented for the computation of the air quality control indices. Practical examples for air quality control and management are presented in detail.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that aircraft-derived air pollution is often quite high in the immediate vicinity of airports, but that aircraft contribute only a small amount of pollution to the total U.S. air pollution.
Abstract: Aircraft produce the greatest amount of their NO/sub x/ emissions during approach, takeoff, and climb-out. The pattern of this NO/sub x/ emission, effectively equivalent to emission from a stack with a height of 0-3000 ft, differs from the emission pattern for a stationary point source, and present mathematical models are inadequate to model it. The rate of conversion of NO, the major component in aircraft NO/sub x/ emissions, to NO/sub 2/ depends on the amount of sunlight, the temperature, and the presence of photooxidizing agents such as ozone. Thus, NO/sub 2/ levels near airports vary greatly depending on the weather and the time of day. Air quality studies have shown that aircraft contribute only a small amount of pollution (Vertical Bar3; 1Vertical Bar3<) to the total U.S. air pollution, but that aircraft-derived air pollution is often quite high in the immediate vicinity of airports.
TL;DR: The problems associated with the commonly used static criteria for CO are discussed, and an alternative dynamic criterion, which accounts for the time variation of CO concentrations, is formulated using the model.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of gaseous exhaust emissions is determined for the following categories of mobile sources which are currently not covered by national emission regulations; merchant vessels, locomotives, lawn and garden implement, snowmobiles, outboard motors, transport refrigeration units, and helicopters.
Abstract: The impact of gaseous exhaust emissions is determined for the following categories of mobile sources which are currently not covered by national emission regulations; merchant vessels, locomotives, lawn and garden implement, snowmobiles, outboard motors, transport refrigeration units, and helicopters. Mass emission rates of each category are tabulated and compared to other emissions from both mobile and stationary sources in selected Air Quality Control Regions. Also, projections are made as to the expected increase of emissions from each source category through 1990. The results show that in the near future some categories of mobile sources will be contributing substantial amounts of pollutants, on a mass basis, in regions with critical air pollution problems. As stricter emission standards on regulated sources continue to be implemented, the relative significance of these unregulated sources will increase. The major conclusion is that broad generalizations as to the amounts of air pollution contributed by these unregulated mobile sources nationwide may be grossly misleading. The only effective way to assess their impact is on a region-by-region basis. To this end, generalized computer programs are developed which permit the estimation of each category's present and future mass emission rates in any Air Quality Control Region in the country.
TL;DR: A measurement of ambient nitrogen dioxide concentration by an air quality monitoring station, and a visible lidar system using a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique are performed in this paper, where the agreement between measured values is within experimental error of the lidar results for average wind speeds of less than 3 mph.
Abstract: A measurement of ambient nitrogen dioxide concentration by an air quality monitoring station, and a visible lidar system using a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique are performed. The agreement between measured values is within experimental error of the lidar results for average wind speeds of less than 3 mph. Lidar technology should be able to contribute to ambient air quality monitoring, plume dispersion modeling, and stack emission monitoring. 3 tables.
IBM1
TL;DR: In this paper, an improved air quality simulation model, based on that developed by Shir and Shieh for the St Louis (Missouri) metropolitan area, is presented, together with the results of its application to the urban and industrial area of Venice (Italy).
TL;DR: In this article, an ozono monitoring program in Oslo (60°N) showed that high ozone concentrations, up to 218 μg m −3 (109 ppb) occurred, mainly during high-pressure situations.
TL;DR: In this article, Vanadium redox flow battery is proposed as a possible alternative to lead-acid batteries for electric vehicles, which is an alternative to the traditional lead acid battery.
Abstract: Components of Photochemical Smog Why High Levels of Ozone in the Air are Undesirable Antioxidants in the Lungs Ozone as an Oxidizing Agent Automobile Emissions Increase Ozone Concentrations Incomplete Combustion of Gasoline Produces Volatile Organic Hydrocarbons (VOC) Combustion at High Temperatures Produces NO VOC, NO and Sunlight Result in Ozone Formation Reducing Nitrogen Oxides and VOC Emissions Catalytic Converters Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs): Electric Vehicles Current Technology for Electric Vehicles How Lead-Acid Batteries Work Drawbacks to Lead-Acid Batteries Vanadium Redox Flow Battery: A Possible Alternative to Lead-Acid Batteries for Electric Vehicles
01 Jun 1979
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the use of mechanical ventilation coupled with heat recovery devices in residential buildings to maintain acceptable indoor air quality and conserve energy, estimating energy and peak power savings.
Abstract: Some houses currently built have substantially reduced air infiltration rates to conserve heating and cooling energy use. Indoor air quality problems associated with this large reduction in ventilation air have become apparent. The paper describes the use of mechanical ventilation coupled with heat recovery devices in residential buildings to maintain acceptable indoor air quality and conserve energy. Estimates of energy and peak power savings are given.