Showing papers on "Air quality index published in 1985"

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Abstract: As part of the Clean Air Act, the federal government has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) which attempt to define the desired, or permissible, maximum levels of pollutants in the air throughout the country The pollutants which are used to define the quality of air are termed the criteria pollutants, namely, particulate matter, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and photochemical oxidants (ozone), as listed in Table 3-1 Additional pollutants are regulated under the Clean Air Act; however, clean air is defined in terms of only these six criteria pollutants The NAAQS for criteria pollutants is listed in Table 3-2 along with the standard for nonmethane hydrocarbons

Environmental regulation: whose self‐interests are being protected?

Abstract: Special interest can explain why environmental policy limits economic activity in areas where air quality is above minumum standards. Locational competition among region helped create a policy that raised factor mobility cost from slower to faster growing regions. Analysis of votes shows greater support for this policy was received from northern urban constituencies and the greatest opposition came from the South and the West. Pollution abatement costs per unit of output are higher in areas with higher not lower air quality.

Handbook of applied meteorology

Abstract: PART I: FUNDAMENTALS: Atmospheric Circulation Systems Climatology Severe Weather Weather Forecasting PART II: MEASUREMENTS: Measurements Today Measurements Tomorrow Ground-Based Observing Systems Upper Air in situ Observing Systems Remote Ground-Based Observing Systems Satellites Observing Networks Standard Techniques Regulatory Criteria and Standards PART III: APPLICATIONS: Runoff Floods Evaporation and Transpiration Water Management Acid Precipitation Erosion Agriculture Forestry Air Pollutant Measurements Dispersion Measurements Using Meteorological Tracer Techniques Regulatory Needs for Air Quality Models Air Quality Modeling Over Short Distances Air Quality Modeling Over Long Distances Atmospheric Pollutant Deposition Modeling Chemical Transformations in Air Quality Models Human Health Architecture Factors Affecting Energy Use Demand Solar Energy Wind Energy Aviation Marine Transportation and Weather-Sensitive Operations Surface Transportation Wave Propagation Weather Modification PART IV: SOCIETAL IMPACTS: Property Rights in Atmospheric Resources Environmental Impacts Economic Impacts PART V: RESOURCES: Data Books and Journals Education Research Centers and Libraries Directory Sources.

Air Pollution and Forests: An Ecosystem Perspective

Abstract: tree species and the processes by which they may be damaged by specific air pollutants (Lindhurst 1984, Tamm 1984, Ulrich and Pankrath 1983). This paper looks at the problem from the view of the ecosystem as a whole. Questions that arise from this analysis are: Is it possible to quantify ecosystem damage resulting from specific air pollutants? Can we quantitatively relate forest damage to emissions of air pollutants? Can we wait for quantification of the relationship between emissions and damage to write air quality standards? Finally, what role can ecological scientists play? What is their responsibility in establishing air quality standards?

Fluid Modeling of Pollutant Transport and Diffusion in Stably Stratified Flows over Complex Terrain

Abstract: Investigations of pollutant transport and dispersion in the atmosphere over complex relief are critical for the protection of air quality, because industrial enterprises and other sources of air pollution frequently locate within complex terrain. The ability to predict ground-level concentrations of air pollutants released from sources in or near complex terrain is required in order to determine the environmental impact of existing sources, to evaluate alternative new source locations, designs, and controls, and to estimate the effects of possible modifications to existing sources. Mathematical models that reliably predict concentrations when plumes are affected by complex terrain are not yet available. Field studies are very expensive and time consuming, and their results are not generally transferable to other sites. Wind-tunnel studies on dispersion of effiuents from industrial plants located in complex terrain have been conducted for over 40 years. Usually these studies were designed to answer specific questions, such as the

Estimates of Climatic Air Quality Potential at Shreveport, Louisiana

Abstract: Air quality potential at Shreveport, Louisiana is evaluated using synoptic weather types, mixing heights, and dispersion. Mixing height and dispersion data for ten years are segregated by synoptic weather types twice a day for the months of January, April, July and October. It is found that both mixing heights and dispersion vary by weather type, season, and time of day. Graphical representations of typical wind directions and air quality properties for the Shreveport area are used to illustrate the potential for air quality resource application.

Urban air pollution worldwide.

Abstract: This paper is a summary of the first interpretive report of data collected in the Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) of the World Health Organization from 1973 to 1980. Data from approximately 175 sites located in 75 cities of 50 countries are included. Measurements have been limited to SO/sub 2/ and suspended particulate matter as indicators of industrial pollution in urban areas. Measurement methods are described and results of the measurements are presented. 13 references, 4 figures, 3 tables.

Implications of environmental policy for US agriculture: the case of ambient ozone standards

Abstract: Biological experiments have revealed an adverse physical effect of increased photochemical air pollution on agricultural crops, and hence their yields, suggesting potentially serious economic losses. Integrating ozone exposure and crop yield data with farm cost of production information for five major US crops, this paper develops an agricultural economic assessment model. The national monetary welfare effects on agriculture of alternative hypothetical levels of the primary ambient ozone standard are explored with the model. The effect of relaxing the model's restrictive fixed crop mix assumption is demonstrated in a regional setting, and found to be inconsequential. Data and modeling deficiencies are discussed, and the estimates compared with other, more ad hoc, approaches.

Health effects of nitrogen dioxide and oxidants.

Abstract: The document is an evaluation of the health effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) intended to serve as a basis for establishing Swedish air quality standards. The specific effects of nitrogen dioxide and ozone are reviewed on the basis of published studies on animals, tissues and cells, controlled studies on humans, and epidemiologic studies. The focus is on the importance of the gases in relation to sensitive groups, outdoor-indoor exposure relationships, the question of short- or long-term limit values, and their combined effects with other pollutants. The minimum adverse effect level for human short-term exposure is assessed to be 900 micrograms/m3 for nitrogen dioxide and 200 micrograms/m3 for ozone; for sensitive persons these values should possibly be even lower. Large safety factors should be added to these values before they are used for air pollution control purposes.

MELSAR: a mesoscale air quality model for complex terrain. Volume 1: overview, technical description and user's guide.

Abstract: This final report is submitted as part of the Green River Ambient Model Assessment (GRAMA) program conducted at the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest Laboratory for the US Environmental Protection Agency. The GRAMA program has, as its ultimate goal, the development of validated air quality models that can be applied to the complex terrain of the Green River Formation of western Colorado, eastern Utah, and southern Wyoming. The Green River Formation is a geologic formation containing large reserves of oil shale, coal, and other natural resources. Development of these resources may lead to a degradation of the air quality of the region. Air quality models are needed immediately for planning and regulatory purposes to assess the magnitude of these regional impacts. This report documents one of the models being developed for this purpose within GRAMA - specifically a model to predict short averaging time (less than or equal to 24 h) pollutant concentrations resulting from the mesoscale transport of pollutant releases from multiple sources. MELSAR has not undergone any rigorous operational testing, sensitivity analyses, or validation studies. Testing and evaluation of the model are needed to gain a measure of confidence in the model's performance. This report consists ofmore » two volumes. Volume 1 contains the model overview, technical description, and user's guide, and Volume 2 contains the Appendices which include listings of the FORTRAN code. 51 refs., 31 figs., 35 tabs.« less

Temporal Variation in Lichen Element Levels

Abstract: Lichens have certain features which have resulted in their intensive use as indicators of air quality and as monitors of the atmospheric deposition of various elements. These salient features include the lack of roots or structures which have the absorptive function of roots and thus some lichens are dependent for their mineral nutrients to a large extent on material landing on the lichen thallus as the result of wet and dry deposition from the atmosphere. Also, lichens unlike higher plants, do not have a well-developed cuticle and hence there is no comparable physical barrier to impede exchange with the environment. Consequently, lichens can accumulate mineral elements to levels far greater than their expected physio-logical needs. Lichens are perennial and this feature together with the other characteristics has led to the use of these plants as longterm integrators of deposition from the atmosphere of elements originating from both natural and man-made sources.

The Spatial Distribution of Particulate Concentrations in the Denver Metropolitan Area

Abstract: Geographers can provide information that is important to the establishment and revision of air quality standards. A spatial approach to the description of air quality can pinpoint segments of the population that are disproportionately exposed to potential health hazards. Temporal trends in the spatial distribution of given levels of pollutant concentration may not be the same as those determined from one monitoring site or from station-averaged data. These points are demonstrated for the Total Suspended Particulate pollutant in the Denver metropolitan area for the years 1977 through 1981. The reported findings have major implications for the contentious processes of establishing and revising air quality standards.

The Finnish Experience

Abstract: The author reviews research in Finland into control of ventilation and air quality. Among the conclusions is that airtightness of new small houses can deteriorate by up to 10 per cent after one year, and that it is difficult to control air supply intake through the building envelope. New proposals for leakage factors are presented, together with experiences of newer warm air heating with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery. For practical purposes, an internal underpressure (higher exhaust rate than supply air flow) is often preferable.

Marketable Pollution Permits and Acid Rain Externalities: A Comment and Some Further Evidence

Abstract: In a recent paper, Scott Atkinson (1983) has provided some important insights into the design of systems of marketable permits for the control of air pollution. Atkinson reaches two major conclusions: 1. A system of marketable permits that minimizes the control costs for the attainment of local ambient air-quality standards for So2 is likely to increase significantly the extent of long-range sulfate depositions (acid rain) as compared to a traditional command-and-control (CAC) strategy. 2. Solely from the perspective of local air quality, the cost-minimizing system of marketable permits must imply higher levels of local pollution relative to an alternative system of emissions permits or to a prototype CAC system. We have no quibbles with the first point. Moreover, Atkinson's simulation results suggest that the trade-off between local air pollution and the long-range transport of sulfur is a serious issue. This is largely a matter of stack height. Higher chimneys allow sulfur emissions to escape the local environment only to result in increased sulfate pollution at more distant locations. This suggests that stack height must be treated as a critical variable in the design of systems to control jointly local and 'global' pollution. Our concern in this note is with Atkinson's second point. We shall show, first, that the Atkinson theorem is formally incorrect: the cost-minimizing permit system need not result in increased local pollution. However, as a practical matter, Atkinson may well be right. We shall supplement his simulation results with some findings from another set of simulations for a different air pollutant, particulate matter, in the Baltimore Air Quality Control

Screening Models for Estimating Toxic Air Pollution Near a Hazardous Waste Landfill

Abstract: This paper is directed to environmental scientists concerned with assessing toxic air pollution downwind of hazardous waste landfills to determine whether potential health threats or exceedances of air quality standards exist. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of four air quality screening models. The emission rate of vinyl chloride from the BKK co-disposal landfill in West Covina, California is estimated. Ambient vinyl chloride concentrations are estimated using a ground level point source model, two virtual point source models, arid the simple box model with meteorological and landfill input data representative of periods when ambient monitoring was conducted. The two virtual point source models are most precise and accurate in estimating 24-hour vinyl chloride concentrations. However, the results could include compensating errors in the emission rate and dispersion calculations because the emission rate estimate could not be independently evaluated.

Reducing indoor air formaldehyde concentrations

Abstract: Urea-formaldehyde resin bonded partlcleboard, medium density fiberboard and plywood paneling are used as flooring, wall paneling, for cabinet work and in furniture, and are present In almost every office, home and public building. If large quantities of these products are used In poorly ventilated spaces, high manufacturing quality control is necessary to avoid problems of latent formaldehyde release. Indoor air formaldehyde concentrations depend on the nature of the product, the product surface to air volume (loading) factor, temperature, humidity, age and product emission rates. Standard test methods are now available for measuring product emission rates that make It possible to predict the performance of UF-bonded pressed wood materials If use conditions and environmental parameters are known. Recent modifications In adhesive and board manufacturing parameters have made It possible to reduce formaldehyde emission significantly, and UF-bonded wood products are now capable of meeting indoor air quality s...

A further study of air pollution in diesel bus garages.

Abstract: The concentrations of smoke, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and some gaseous air pollutants have been measured in two London Transport diesel bus garages and compared with observations made in the same garages over 20 years earlier. The main feature of the results was a large reduction in the background concentrations of smoke and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from sources such as coal fires, attributable to the implementation of the Clean Air Act. Contributions from the buses to the benzo(a) pyrene content of the air inside the garages were of the same magnitude as before, being small in relation to former coal smoke contributions.

On the Use of Human Judgment and Physical/Chemical Measurements in Visual Air Quality Management

Abstract: Application of existing human judgment and physical/chemical measurement techniques in developing visual air quality management programs is discussed. The measurement techniques are reviewed in terms of their abilities to provide information on several important management concerns: 1) public recognition of the problem, 2) public acceptability of different levels of visual air quality, 3) the relationship between emissions and visual air quality, and 4) trends in visual air quality. Major characteristics of measures affecting these abilities include: 1) how directly each measures visual impact, 2) the cost of achieving a desired level of reliability, and 3) the availability of a historical data base. From this review it is concluded that different measurement techniques are needed to address different management concerns. Ratings of visual air quality made by observers in the field provide the most direct measurement of human responses to the visual environment. Surveys and tradeoff analyses are useful fo...

Forest and air quality

Abstract: The biggest threat to forests is regional air pollution, which can affect forests across national boundaries. Air pollution stress to forests can be viewed as acting on three scales: local (examples being the close-range deposition of pollutants around offending industries), regional scale pollution, and global scale pollution. On all these scales, air pollution is capable of damaging forests to the point where trees die and productivity is reduced.

The contribution made by vegetation buffer zones to improved air quality in urban areas

Abstract: There is much experimental evidence available illustrating the effects of air pollution on sensitive indigenous plant species (Saunders & Wood, 1974), indeed, certain species of lichen are so sensitive that their presence or absence from suitable substrates may be used in bioassay of levels of air pollution. However, plant communities of more robust species may play a significant positive role in relation to air quality in urban areas. In the U.K. our experience in the use of vegetation buffer zones as a sink to air pollutants, may not be so extensive as in other parts of Europe, but in the development of new towns such as Runcorn and Milton Keynes, the role played by mature plant communities as an air hygiene measure receives serious consideration by town planners and landscape architects.

Residential wood burning and air pollution

Abstract: The use of wood as a primary or secondary source of residential heating has been increasing rapidly in Australia, U.S.A., and elsewhere since the early 1970s. This sharp increase in wood burning is having a detrimental impact on air quality, the effects being quite acute in some areas. The emissions normally include particulates, organic compounds, polycyclic organic materials, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and carbon monoxide. The nature and amounts of compounds emitted into the atmosphere are highly variable and depend on many factors such as fuel type, operating conditions, and combustor designs. Concerned by the health implications of wood smoke, a number of environmental agencies and research groups are working towards characterizing and quantifying emissions and to identify the factors affecting emissions. This paper reviews the literature available to date, which is quite extensive, and presents information pertinent to the different pollutional aspects of wood burning.