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Showing papers on "Air quality index published in 1980"


Journal ArticleDOI
14 Mar 1980-JAMA
TL;DR: Adjustment of the basic CO standard to accommodate for high-altitude effects is reasonable, but, for sea level areas, the present 9 ppm, eight-hour CO standard is already more stringent than can be justified by cost-benefit analysis.
Abstract: To the Editor.— In discussing "Health Effects of Urban Air Pollution," Mitchell et al (242:1163, 1979) seem to take the view that current national ambient air quality standards, as adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency, for carbon monoxide (CO) are justified for sea level, but that an eight-hour CO standard of 6 ppm should be substituted in high-altitude areas. Adjustment of the basic CO standard to accommodate for high-altitude effects is reasonable, but, for sea level areas, the present 9 ppm, eight-hour CO standard, which may be exceeded only once a year, is already more stringent than can be justified by cost-benefit analysis. The difference between using a 15 ppm, eight-hour CO standard and a 9 ppm, eight-hour CO standard is an increase of 1% in COHb concentration. Can one truly argue that this makes any real difference to a person's health if it happens five to ten times a year

78 citations


29 Feb 1980
TL;DR: CALINE3 as mentioned in this paper is a third generation line source air quality model developed by the California Department of Transportation, which is based on the Gaussian diffusion equation and employs a mixing zone concept to characterize pollutant dispersion over the roadway.
Abstract: CALINE3 is a third generation line source air quality model developed by the California Department of Transportation. It is based on the Gaussian diffusion equation and employs a mixing zone concept to characterize pollutant dispersion over the roadway. The purpose of the model is to assess air quality impacts near transportation facilities in what is known as the microscale region. Given source strength, meteorology, site geometry, and site characteristics, the model can reliably predict carbon monoxide concentrations for receptors located within 150 meters of the roadway. The model has adjustments for averaging time and surface roughness, and can handle up to 20 links and 20 receptors. It also contains an algorithm for deposition and settling velocity so that particulate concentrations can be predicted.

77 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a method of valuing air quality based on differences in wages among cities using an urban location model and showed that the supply of labor to any city increases with the real wage and with air quality in the business district.

52 citations


Patent
29 Dec 1980
TL;DR: In this article, a thermal anemometer is employed to detect the velocity of the air flowing through a personal air sampling device, and a microprocessor system is employed periodically read the signal from the thermal Anemometer and calculate the sample air flow rate.
Abstract: A thermal anemometer is employed to detect the velocity of the air flowing through a personal air sampling device. A microprocessor system is employed to periodically read the signal from the thermal anemometer and calculate the sample air flow rate. The measured flow rate is integrated over the sample period to provide an indication of the total volume of air sampled. Flow rates need not be calibrated during the sample period to insure accurate collection data, thus providing an automated and accurate means for measuring air quality.

26 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an air quality model for estimation of emissions on a regional scale is developed using measured air concentrations and air trajectory transport calculations to determine the emissions, and the optimal emission strength is obtained by a least square approximation between measured and estimated air concentrations of pollutants.

23 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Improved methods using particulate sulfates to determine the composition and effects of acid rain; new techniques for determining the composition of aerosol contaminants and measuring toxic gases, including coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,X-ray fluorescence, and proton induced X-ray emission are described.
Abstract: Literature concerning analysis of air contaminants has increased rapidly in recent years. EPA, Intersociety Committee, and ASTM reference methods are summarized. The validity of using data obtained with high volume samplers and gas absorption bubblers in sampling networks, using part-time operators, to determine base-line levels and air quality assurance is questioned. Dichotomous or size classification samplers for respirable particulates provide more accurate data to assess health effects. Described are: improved methods using particulate sulfates to determine the composition and effects of acid rain; new techniques for determining the composition of aerosol contaminants and measuring toxic gases, including coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, and proton induced X-ray emission; and remote sensing methods involving correlation spectrometry, tunable lasers, and differential lidar. (275 references, 9 tables)

21 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the influence of changes in the ambient temperature on the seasonal variation of urban CO concentrations by means of a simple air quality model and concluded that the effect of temperature on vehicle emissions is mainly during the cold-start period of operation.

21 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Analytical studies will provide necessary information to attain these goals and simultaneously reduce energy expenditures or minimize the need for expensive control systems.
Abstract: Maintenance of environmental quality for laboratory animals involves more than heat and moisture production of animals or room air changes per hour. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning of animal facilities allows control of room temperature and humidity, cage microenvironment, gaseous and particulate contamination, air distribution and diffusion, air quality and temperature differentials. However, other factors may influence environmental quality: population density, species of animals, and husbandry and sanitation practices. Because of all of these considerations, animal facilities tend to be energy intensive. Recommended environmental conditions are designed to satisfy physiological requirements of animals but prevent physiologic and psychophysiologic stresses. Analytical studies will provide necessary information to attain these goals and simultaneously reduce energy expenditures or minimize the need for expensive control systems.

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The information presented in this paper is directed to those individuals interested in future air quality control programs aimed at areas that are attaining one or more air quality ambient standards, as defined in Section 116 of the Clean Air Act, as amended.
Abstract: The information presented in this paper is directed to those individuals interested in future air quality control programs aimed at areas that are attaining one or more air quality ambient standards. Section 116 of the Clean Air Act, as amended, requires the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations for the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) of air quality in order to protect the nation's clean air resources from hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and lead (Set II pollutants). This program will affect industry siting in many areas of the country, particularly in the rural, undeveloped areas. Among the many alternatives currently being considered by EPA to meet the PSD Set II goals are emission management systems, marketable emission permits, air quality increments, emission fees, and control of transportation related sources. The final regulation may be a combination of several options or may present several alternatives from which a State would choose its sp...

15 citations


Book ChapterDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured and analyzed four indoor air contaminants in conventional and energy efficient buildings with a view to assessing their potential health risks and various control strategies capable of lowering pollutant concentrations.
Abstract: Rising energy prices, among other factors, have generated an incentive to reduce ventilation rates and thereby reduce the cost of heating and cooling buildings. Reduced infiltration and ventilation in buildings may significantly increase exposure to indoor contaminants and perhaps have adverse effects on occupant health and comfort. Four indoor air contaminants – carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from gas appliances; formaldehyde from particleboard, plywood, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, and gas appliances; and radon from building materials, soil, and ground water – are currently receiving considerable attention in the context of potential health risks associated with reduced infiltration and ventilation rates. We have measured and analyzed these air contaminants in conventional and energy efficient buildings with a view to assessing their potential health risks and various control strategies capable of lowering pollutant concentrations. Preliminary findings suggest that further intensive studies are needed in order to develop criteria for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality without compromising energy efficiency.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study undertook an empirical Investigation of human response to air quality using home interviews of 475 respondents living in 22 neighborhoods of Los Angeles County to construct an observer-based air quality index (OBAQI), which correlated best with the percentage of neighborhood respondents who perceived “smoggy air.
Abstract: This study undertook an empirical Investigation of human response to air quality. Home interviews of 475 respondents living in 22 neighborhoods of Los Angeles County had elicited information on respondent socioeconomic characteristics, behavioral patterns, and measures of human response to air quality. This data base was then augmented with nine measures of actual air quality for six time frames for each neighborhood. An observer-based air quality index (OBAQI) was constructed based upon which combination of air quality variables correlated best with the percentage of neighborhood respondents who perceived “smoggy air.” The best combination (OBAQI 3) consisted of prevailing visibility, O3, and SO2, each measured as the annual number of days that a selected standard had been equalled or exceeded. Subsequently, multiple regression models were constructed using this index as a predictor of aggregated perception of air quality. In addition to a general model for all neighborhoods, separate models were constru...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a measure of air pollution potential can be obtained from daily maximum mixing-depth and win-speed values in Durban, South Africa, in terms of vertical mixing and horizontal transport of air.
Abstract: Atmospheric pollution over cities accumulates under light wind or stagnation conditions and, on occasion, may be supplemented by transport from distant sources. These conditions cannot easily be predicted by use of the average weather elements. However, material which is useful to decision-makers who are concerned with air pollution problems can be obtained by presenting the data, as in the case of Durban, South Africa, first in terms of the nature and characteristics of vertical mixing in the lower atmosphere, and secondly in terms of the horizontal transport of air. In this way the nature and characteristics of surface and non-surface inversions and mixingdepths, as well as of macro- and meso-scale atmospheric circulations, can more easily be appreciated. In addition, a measure of the air pollution potential can be obtained from daily maximum mixing-depth and win-speed values.


01 Oct 1980
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the city-specific EKMA model as a means for estimating emission control requirements needed to demonstrate attainment of the ozone NAAQS in 1982 SIP's.
Abstract: Report describes how to use the city-specific EKMA model as a means for estimating emission control requirements needed to demonstrate attainment of the ozone NAAQS in 1982 SIP's. Topics addressed include (1) use of air quality, meteorological and emissions measurements or estimates for generating ozone isopleth diagrams; (2) application of the ozone isopleth diagrams in estimating controls needed to attain the ozone NAAQS at each monitoring site; and (3) estimation of the city-wide control requirement for use in the SIP.

Book
01 Jun 1980
TL;DR: The second volume of the Handbook of Environmental Health and Safety has been completely revised and expanded to reflect new developments and discoveries in environmental health and safety as discussed by the authors, which includes a new chapter on instrumentation, state-of-the-art graphics, and a comprehensive index and bibliography.
Abstract: The second volume of the Third Edition of the Handbook of Environmental Health and Safety has been completely revised and expanded to reflect new developments and discoveries in environmental health and safety. Volume II provides environmental health professionals, environmental managers, safety professionals, and the public with a basis for understanding the interactions between humans and the environment and how such interactions affect the health and welfare of individuals. It includes a new chapter on instrumentation, state-of-the-art graphics, and a comprehensive index and bibliography.Completely new and significantly expanded and updated sections in Volume II of Handbook of Environmental Health and Safety include: o Global Warming - Potential Health Effects o Particle Retention and Deposition in Lungs o Major Sources of Hazardous Air Pollutants o Hazardous Air Pollution Control Devices o Clean Air Act of 1990 o Climate Change Action Plan o Landfill Gas into Electricity o Real Cost of Landfill Disposal o Materials-Handling Technologies o Reducing Toxic Risks through Voluntary Action o Metals and Disease o Ground Penetrating Radar o Hazardous Waste Innovative Technologies o Ground Water Contamination Sources o Latest National Primary Drinking Water Standards Available o New Microbiological Standards o Cryptosporidosis o Drastic Water Pollution Potential Mapping System o Ground Water Protection Programs o Ground Water Innovative Technologies o Soil Cleaning Innovative Technologies o Description of Parent Soils.Volume II focuses on major topics related to the external environment. It covers air quality and air pollution, solid and hazardous waste management, on-site and public water supplies, swimming areas, plumbing, on-site and public sewage disposal, soils, water pollution and water quality controls, disasters, and environmental health emergencies.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A network of up to six air monitoring and sampling stations were operated (4-23 km) downwind of the 700 MW coal-fired power plants at Colstrip, Montana Continuous monitoring identified background SO 2 levels in the surrounding air at approx 1 ppb (26 μg m −3 ) Average air concentrations measured in 1978 from power plant source directions increased to about 2 ppb(52 βg m − 3 ) Meteorological and aerosol correlations with SO 2 concentrations helped identify and isolate the major source.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a method that was devised to help meet new national ozone air quality standards is presented, where mathematical models that can be used to calculate the reduction in emissions needed to fall within ozone standards are given.
Abstract: Presented is a method that was devised to help meet new national ozone air quality standards. Mathematical models that can be used to calculate the reduction in emissions needed to fall within ozone standards are given. Seasonal variations that affect ozone levels are accounted for in the method. (9 graphs, 1 map, 16 references)

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present alternative responses to this common problem, and solutions are proposed for a variety of cases in North America, Western Europe, and the Far East, dealing with the automobile problem by means of public transit and other auto-free modes.
Abstract: The numbers and standard sizes of automobiles may vary widely from one country to another, and so may traffic patterns and driving habits, but the basic environmental problems that are inevitably caused by the automotive explosion--the unrestrained growth of the density and extent of the use of private cars--are found to be much the same worldwide. The papers in this valuable book deal with alternative responses to this common problem, and solutions are proposed for a variety of cases in North America, Western Europe, and the Far East. The prospects for coping with the automobile problem by means of public transit and other auto-free modes are realistically weighed, and innovations for dealing with car use head-on by imposing limits on traffic are put forward.The book points out that even if automobiles were noiseless and emissionless, \"their sheer numbers would still generate a tremendous impact on the environment and on the quality of our lives.\" To many the massive presence of automobiles is a form of visual congestion, and their fitful motion one more psychological distraction to harass modern man. But even given the international scale of the problem, the papers in this book do not forecast ecological doom. Quite the contrary, as their editor writes, \"their flavor is one of hope: they implicitly share the view that the problems are solvable if governments address them firmly. The approaches examined are highly practical, most of them being relatively undemanding of institutional adjustments or changes in social values. Showing their independence from the hardware-oriented approaches prominent in the 1950s and 1960s, the authors share limited faith in technological innovation for the solution of transportation's environmental problems....\"By giving equal weight to the environmental problems of transportation with data from several nations, these papers help to remove the nationalist myopia from transportation studies. While the institutions and values particular to a country set some limits on the options that can be taken, the worldwide awakening of environmental concern has laid the way for exchanging experiences.... Therefore this book serves several important purposes by providing both structured data on the problems and access to foreign experiences.\"The first paper is \"Environmental Implications of Options in Urban Mobility. Observations of the Environmental Committee of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).\" This is followed by \"Urban Public Transport: Service Innovations in Operations, Planning, and Technology,\" by Robert A. Burco; \"Methods of Traffic Limitation in Urban Areas,\" by J. Michael Thomson; \"The Automobile and the Environment: Implications for the Planning Process,\" by Marvin L. Manheim and John H. Suhrbier; \"Automobiles and Cities: Strategies for Developing Countries,\" by Wilfred Owen; and \"Automobile Air Pollution and Noise: Implications for Public Policy,\" by an Ad Hoc Group to the Environment Committee of OECD.The book is the first in the MIT Press Series in Transportation Studies.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an assessment of the potential impact on air quality of large-scale (3000 MW) geothermal development in California's Imperial Valley is presented based on the predictions of numerical atmospheric transport models.

01 Mar 1980
TL;DR: In this paper, a research program was conducted to determine the extent to which low ventilation rates are compatible with good indoor air quality, and the results of this program suggest that further studies, designed to include a broader range of infiltration rates ad occupancy conditions, are needed before establishing energy-efficient infiltration standards for residential buildings.
Abstract: Rising energy prices have generated a national incentive to reduce ventilation rates in buildings and thereby lower heating and cooling costs. One of the ramifications of reducing ventilation is that indoor air contaminants build up and pose a health risk to occupants. A research program being conducted to determine the extent to which low ventilation rates are compatible with good indoor air quality is described. Overall indoor air quality is influenced by air-exchange rates, types of appliances and building materials used, and occupant activities. From the numerous indoor air pollutants studied, four (carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from gas appliances; formaldehyde from particle-board, plywood, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, and gas appliances; and radon from soil, building materials, and ground water) are receiving considerable attention in the context of potential health risks associated with energy conservation. Field monitoring studies in energy-efficient residential buildings have demonstrated that, in some cases, these indoor-generated pollutants exceed outdoor air-quality standards in houses having air-exchange rates of less than 0.5 air changes per hour. The results of our research suggest that further studies, designed to include a broader range of infiltration rates ad occupancy conditions, are needed before establishing energy-efficient infiltration standards for residential buildings.

01 Jul 1980
TL;DR: In this paper, the contribution of the stratospheric-tropospheric exchange to the balance of the tropospheric ozone was analyzed based on measuring series of the ozone concentration obtained from 1978 to 1981 at three different altitudes (Zugspitze station, 2964 m, Wank station, 1780 m, and valley station Garmisch, 740 m a.s.l.).
Abstract: The objective of this study is to clarity the contribution of the stratospheric-tropospheric exchange to the balance of the tropospheric ozone. Based on measuring series of the ozone concentration obtained from 1978 to 1981 at three different altitudes (Zugspitze station, 2964 m, Wank station, 1780 m, and valley station Garmisch, 740 m a.s.l.) it can be shown that significant differences do exist in the time behavior of ozone between the valley region and the higher-situated mountain stations. The dependence on meteorological parameters is studied. In series of case studies the vertical distribution on ozone is presented for different source situations. Utility of a filter photometer for measuring total ozone is tested by comparison with Dobson spectrometers. The frequency of stratospheric intrusions is determined by means of the 12-year Be7 measuring series and the seasonal dependence is analyzed. The effect of solar events on the stratospheric ozone profile is shown on the basis of several case studies and the question of causal relationships is discussed. Temporal and spatial variations of the stratospheric aerosol concentrations after eruptions of volcanos St. Helens (1980) and Alaid (1981) are shown by means of lidar measurements. 47 references, 43 figures, 27 tables.


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1980-Arctic
TL;DR: In this paper, a quantitative analysis of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in Fairbanks, Alaska revealed significant levels of representative components, and a fairly constant PAH pattern was observed throughout the winter of 1976-77, and the absolute PAH level correlated with air stagnation.
Abstract: Quantitative analysis of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in Fairbanks, Alaska revealed significant levels of representative components. A fairly constant PAH pattern was observed throughout the winter of 1976-77, and the absolute PAH level correlated with air stagnation. Consideration of relative levels of individual PAH components reveals vehicular emissions as the major source but also provides evidence for contributions from power plant emissions. Fairbanks' PAH levels approach those of major cities in more moderate climates, and this situation emphasizes the importance of air quality problems in development of the Arctic.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a planetary boundary-layer model which predicts the mixing depth and generates wind, moisture, and temperature fields was used; it utilizes only surface and synoptic boundary conditions as input data.
Abstract: Results are presented of numerical experiments modeling meteorology, multiple pollutant sources, and nonlinear photochemical reactions for the case of an airport in a large urban area with complex terrain. A planetary boundary-layer model which predicts the mixing depth and generates wind, moisture, and temperature fields was used; it utilizes only surface and synoptic boundary conditions as input data. A version of the Hecht-Seinfeld-Dodge chemical kinetics model is integrated with a new, rapid numerical technique; both the San Francisco Bay Area Air Quality Management District source inventory and the San Jose Airport aircraft inventory are utilized. The air quality model results are presented in contour plots; the combined results illustrate that the highly nonlinear interactions which are present require that the chemistry and meteorology be considered simultaneously to make a valid assessment of the effects of individual sources on regional air quality.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple box model was developed to assess the impact of biogenic emissions on rural air quality and the results suggest that natural hydrocarbons are not a significant source of ozone in rural areas.
Abstract: A simple box model was developed to assess the impact of biogenic emissions on rural air quality. High emission fluxes and most‐favorable meteorological conditions were used to estimate an upper limit to the ozone‐forming potential of biogenic hydrocarbons from a hypothetical forest in central North Carolina. The results suggest that natural hydrocarbons are not a significant source of ozone in rural areas.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The high potential for air pollution in Alaskan lowlands results from a combination of very low winds and strong temperature inversions, which trap pollutants below them and prevent effective dilution of the pollutants by mixing with higher air layers as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The high potential for air pollution in Alaskan lowlands results from a combination of very low winds and strong temperature inversions. The inversions trap pollutants below them and prevent effective dilution of the pollutants by mixing with higher air layers. Water vapor, emitted to the atmosphere from various combustion processes, leads to the formation of ice fog and other pollutants associated with ice crystals. (3 graphs, 5 photos)

01 Jan 1980
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider problems involved in the acquisition, interpretation, and application of data collected in studies of air pollutant interactions with the terrestrial environment, and focus on a critical evaluation of current deficiencies and future research needs by addressing the following questions: (1) which pollutants are either sufficiently toxic, pervasive, or persistent to warrant the expense of monitoring and effects research; (2) what are the interactions of multiple pollutants during deposition and how do these influence toxicity; (3) how de we collect, report, and interpret deposition and air quality data to ensure its maximum utility
Abstract: The objective of this discussion is to consider problems involved in the acquisition, interpretation, and application of data collected in studies of air pollutant interactions with the terrestrial environment. Emphasis will be placed on a critical evaluation of current deficiencies and future research needs by addressing the following questions: (1) which pollutants are either sufficiently toxic, pervasive, or persistent to warrant the expense of monitoring and effects research; (2) what are the interactions of multiple pollutants during deposition and how do these influence toxicity; (3) how de we collect, report, and interpret deposition and air quality data to ensure its maximum utility in assessment of potential regional environmental effects; (4) what processes do we study, and how are they measured to most efficiently describe the relationship between air quality dose and ultimate impacts on terrestrial ecosystems; and (5) how do we integrate site-specific studies into regional estimates of present and potential environmental degradation (or benefit).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a Gaussian climatological model which takes into account physical factors affecting air pollutant dispersion, such as nocturnal radiative inversion and mixing height evolution, associated with land breeze and sea breeze regimes, has been applied to the topographically complex area of La Spezia (a basin surrounded by hilly terrain, located on the Italian coast).
Abstract: A Gaussian climatological model which takes into account physical factors affecting air pollutant dispersion, such as nocturnal radiative inversion and mixing height evolution, associated with land breeze and sea breeze regimes, respectively, has been applied to the topographically complex area of La Spezia (a basin surrounded by hilly terrain, located on the Italian coast). Results from the measurements of the dynamic and thermodynamic structure of the lower atmosphere, obtained by a series of field experiments, are utilized in the model to calculate SO2 seasonal average concentrations. The model has been tested on eight three-monthly periods by comparing the simulated values with the ones measured at the SO2 stations of the local air pollution monitoring network. Comparison of simulated and measured values was very satisfactory and proved the applicability of the implemented model for urban planning and establishment of air quality strategies also at a topoghraphically complex site.