DOCSLIB.ORG

Getting to Know About Air Pollution

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Getting to Know About Air Pollution The Mission Statement of the NJDEP To assist the residents of New Jersey in preserving, sustaining, protecting and enhancing the environment to GETTING ensure the integration of high environmental quality, public health and economic vitality. We will accomplish our mission in partnership with the general public, business, TO KNOW environmental community and all levels of government. Speak out for clean air. Let your local officials know that you are concerned ABOUT AIR about the effect air pollution may be having on your health, and that you would support stronger pollution control measures. For more information Contact: POLLUTION • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Air Quality Bureau of Air Quality Evaluation 401 East State St. P.O. Box 027 Trenton, NJ 08625 (609) 633-1110 NJDEP websites: • Air Compliance & Enforcement: www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/air.html • Air Monitoring: www.nj.gov/dep/airmon • Air Toxics: www.nj.gov/dep/airtoxics • Air Quality Planning: www.nj.gov/dep/baqp • Air Quality Permitting: www.nj.gov/dep/aqpp • Asthma: www.nj.gov/dep/airtoxics/asthma.htm • Environmental Justice: www.nj.gov/dep/ej New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services website: • Asthma: www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/asthma.pdf U.S. Environmental Protection Agency websites: • Air Quality Index: www.epa.gov/airnow • Office of Children’s Health Protection: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/homepage New Jersey • Air Pollution & Health Risk: www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/air_risc/3_90_022.html Department of James E. McGreevey, Governor Environmental Bradley M. Campbell, Commissioner 9/2004 Protection What is Air Pollution? diagnosed with asthma, which can Pollutant Lead make them more sensitive to air Health effects Causes damage to the brain and other parts of the body’s Air pollution is the result of pollution. In general, children and nervous system. Children are most susceptible to the air being contaminated by the elderly are also more sensitive effects of lead. pollutants emitted from power to air pollution. Where it comes from Mostly from a few industrial facilities, but also from the plants, factories, motor vehicles sanding or wearing away of old lead-based paint. (e.g. cars, buses) and many other Are There Federal Pollutant Carbon monoxide sources, including products we Regulations to Control use in our homes. The pollutants Health effects Weakens the heart’s contractions and lowers the amount of Air Pollution? oxygen carried by the blood. It reduces your ability to that contribute to air pollution are exercise and is dangerous for people with chronic heart ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, The Clean Air Act requires the disease. It can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and particulate matter, nitrogen when it’s very concentrated, even death. When carbon Environmental Protection Agency monoxide reaches unhealthy levels, people with heart dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and a (USEPA) to establish regulations disease are most at risk. variety of other chemicals that limit and control the amount of referred to as “air toxics.” The Where it comes from Primarily from motor vehicles, but also from incomplete pollutants emitted into the air in burning of any fuel. impact of air pollution depends on order to protect public health. Also, the amount of pollution in the air it required the development of Pollutant Nitrogen dioxide and an individual’s health status. National Ambient Air Quality Health effects Irritates the nose and throat. Appears to increase Standards (NAAQS). Primary susceptibility to respiratory infections. Also combines What Are the Effects of NAAQS are protective of people with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to form ozone. When nitrogen dioxide reaches unhealthy levels, children Air Pollution? (including sensitive populations such and people with respiratory disease are most at risk. as asthmatics), while secondary Where it comes from Power plants, large industrial facilities, and motor vehicles. Exposure to high levels of air NAAQS address impacts on crops, pollution can cause a wide range visibility and property. The Act Pollutant Sulfur dioxide of effects, from eye irritation and requires States to enforce these runny nose to cancer and birth regulations in order to ensure that all Health effects Aggravates existing lung diseases, especially bronchitis. Constricts the breathing passages, especially in asthmatic defects. Air pollution can also Americans have the same health people and people doing moderate to heavy exercise. cause heart and lung disease, and and environmental protection. Causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. brain and nerve damage. High levels of particulates appear to worsen the effect of sulfur dioxide, and long-term exposures to both pollutants leads to higher rates of respiratory illness. How Many People Are When sulfur dioxide reaches unhealthy levels, people Affected by Air Pollution? with asthma are most at risk. Where it comes from Power plants, large industrial facilities, diesel vehicles, and All of NJ’s 8 million residents even oil-burning home heaters. are breathing in unhealthy amounts of ozone pollution at some point during the summer. Approximately 620,000 NJ residents have been How Does Air Pollution Directly What is New Jersey Act in 1970. After decades of Affect My Health? Doing to Control Air regulations on mobile and Pollution? stationary sources of air pollution, Pollutant Ozone New Jersey has made great strides, but is still out of Health effects Irritates the lungs and breathing passages, causing coughing New Jersey Department of compliance for ozone. Air toxics and pain in the chest and throat. Increases susceptibility to Environmental Protection (DEP) respiratory infections and reduces the ability to exercise. and fine particulates also remain a has long been in the forefront with Effects are more severe in people with asthma and other public health concern in New respiratory ailments. Long-term exposure may lead to programs aimed at cleaning the Jersey. scarring of lung tissue and lowered lung efficiency. When air. New Jersey was the first state ozone reaches unhealthy levels, active children and adults, How Harmful is and people with asthma are most at risk. to implement an inspection and maintenance program for motor Particulate Matter? Where it comes from Ozone does not come directly from tailpipes or vehicles in February 1974. In the smokestacks. Ozone is created by the chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen early 1970s, NJ enacted rules to Protecting the public from oxide in the presence of sunlight. The VOCs that form control open burning, particulate the harmful effects of air ozone come from vehicle and industrial exhaust as well as matter emissions from fuel pollution is the primary goal of evaporation of gasoline, solvents and paints, and many other sources. Nitrogen oxides are formed when fuel is combustion and manufacturing the Clean Air Act. In 1997, burned at high temperatures from sources like electric processes, and to establish a USEPA set new particulate utilities, motor vehicles and residential heating. permit process for facilities. matter standards for very fine The NJ Air Pollution Control particulate matter known as Pollutant Particulates Act resulted in reducing air PM2.5 (smaller than 2.5 microns Health effects Aggravate existing heart and lung diseases, change the pollution emissions from power in diameter - much smaller than body’s defenses against inhaled materials, and damage lung tissue. The elderly, children and those with chronic lung or plants, factories and many more the width of a human hair). The heart disease are most sensitive. Lung impairment can sources. States develop state new standards reflect recent persist for 2-3 weeks after exposure to high levels of implementation plans (SIPs) that studies showing that fine particulate matter. When PM2.5 reaches unhealthy levels, explain how each state will do its people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and particles can cause very serious children are most at risk. job under the Clean Air Act. A health effects-including an state implementation plan is a increase in respiratory illness Where it comes from Particulates can be emitted directly into the air in the form of dirt, soot, smoke and dust from many kinds of air collection of the regulations a and even premature deaths - at pollution sources. Particulates are also formed in the state will use to clean up polluted very low levels. Programs to atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions between areas. The DEP involves the achieve the new standards will pollutants emitted by fuel burning in diesel cars, trucks and buses, power plants, industry and other sources. public, through hearings and provide additional protection to opportunities to comment, in the all NJ residents, but most Pollutant Air Toxics development of their state importantly to residents living in Health effects With increased exposure the risk of developing cancer, implementation plans. urban areas and high traffic birth defects, learning disabilities, heart and lung desease, New Jersey has worked at areas where the current and brain and nerve damage is increased. complying with the National standards are is not being met. Where it comes from Factories, refineries, power plants, cars, trucks, buses and Ambient Air Quality Standards cleaning products. since the passage of the Clean Air What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and AQI Category VERY UNHEALTHY Your Family? Health Effects Increasingly severe symptoms and impaired breathing likely in active children and adults, and people with heart and/or lung diseases, such as asthma; increasing Are you or someone in your family sensitive to ozone or fine likelihood of respiratory effects in general population. particulates? Children, the elderly, people with breathing problems Actions to Take Active children and adults, and people with respira- such as asthma, and adults who are active outdoors, including outdoor tory diseases, such as asthma, should avoid all workers and healthy exercisers are all considered “sensitive groups”. outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sewage Sludge Program Description
    TEXAS POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM CHAPTER 5 SEWAGE SLUDGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION A. INTRODUCTION Sewage sludge (including domestic septage) use and disposal is regulated in Texas in accordance with the requirements of Title 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 312. The rules were promulgated under the Texas Water Code, Chapter 5.103 and the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act (the Act), Texas Health and Safety Code, §§361.011 and 361.024. Title 30 TAC Chapter 312 contain requirements for the use and disposal of sewage sludge which are equivalent to 40 Code Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 503 standards. The 30 TAC Chapter 312 regulations contain requirements equivalent to 40 CFR Parts 122, 123, 501 and 503. Sewage sludge use and disposal requirements will be incorporated into TPDES municipal and industrial facilities as described in Chapter 3. Sludge only permits (facilities that do not discharge to waters of the U.S.) are required to obtain permits from the TNRCC. Sludge only permits include, but are not limited to, any person who changes the quality of a sewage sludge which is ultimately regulated under 30 TAC Chapter 312 and Part 503 (e.g., sewage sludge blenders, stabilization, heat treatment, and digestion), surface disposal site owners/operators, and sewage sludge incinerator owners/operators and domestic septage processing. B. SLUDGE AND TRANSPORTER REVIEW TEAM The Sludge and Transporter Review Team located in the Wastewater Permits Section of the Water Quality Division is responsible for the administrative and technical processing of sewage sludge/domestic septage beneficial use registrations and sewage sludge only permits for facilities treating domestic sewage (primarily facilities as defined in 40 CFR §122.44).
    [Show full text]
  • Soil Contamination and Human Health: a Major Challenge For
    Soil contamination and human health : A major challenge for global soil security Florence Carre, Julien Caudeville, Roseline Bonnard, Valérie Bert, Pierre Boucard, Martine Ramel To cite this version: Florence Carre, Julien Caudeville, Roseline Bonnard, Valérie Bert, Pierre Boucard, et al.. Soil con- tamination and human health : A major challenge for global soil security. Global Soil Security Sympo- sium, May 2015, College Station, United States. pp.275-295, 10.1007/978-3-319-43394-3_25. ineris- 01864711 HAL Id: ineris-01864711 https://hal-ineris.archives-ouvertes.fr/ineris-01864711 Submitted on 30 Aug 2018 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Human Health as another major challenge of Global Soil Security Florence Carré, Julien Caudeville, Roseline Bonnard, Valérie Bert, Pierre Boucard, Martine Ramel Abstract This chapter aimed to demonstrate, by several illustrated examples, that Human Health should be considered as another major challenge of global soil security by emphasizing the fact that (a) soil contamination is a worldwide issue, estimations can be done based on local contamination but the extent and content of diffuse contamination is largely unknown; (b) although soil is able to store, filter and reduce contamination, it can also transform and make accessible soil contaminants and their metabolites, contributing then to human health impacts.
    [Show full text]
  • What's in the Air Gets Around Poster
    Air pollution comes AIR AWARENESS: from many sources, Our air contains What's both natural & manmade. a combination of different gasses: OZONE (GOOD) 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, in the is a gas that occurs forest fires, vehicle exhaust, naturally in the upper plus 1% from carbon dioxide, volcanic emissions smokestack emissions atmosphere. It filters water vapor, and other gasses. the sun's ultraviolet rays and protects AIRgets life on the planet from the Air moves around burning Around! when the wind blows. rays. Forests can be harmed when nutrients are drained out of the soil by acid rain, and trees can't Air grow properly. pollution ACID RAIN Water The from one place can forms when sulfur cause problems oxides and nitrogen oxides falls from 1 air is in mix with water vapor in the air. constant motion many miles from clouds that form where it Because wind moves the air, acid in the air. Pollutants around the earth (wind). started. rain can fall hundreds of miles from its AIR MONITORING: and tiny bits of soil are As it moves, it absorbs source. Acid rain can make lakes so acidic Scientists check the quality of carried with it to the water from lakes, rivers that plants and animals can't live in the water. our air every day and grade it using the Air Quality Index (AQI). ground below. and oceans, picks up soil We can check the daily AQI on the from the land, and moves Internet or from local 2 pollutants in the air. news sources. Greenhouse gases, sulfur oxides and Earth's nitrogen oxides are added to the air when coal, oil and natural gas are CARS, TRUCKS burned to provide Air energy.
    [Show full text]
  • Family Planning and the Environment
    FAMILY PLANNING AND THE ENVIRONMENT STABILIZING POPULATION WOULD HELP SUSTAIN THE PLANET Because everyone counts ABOUT HALF THE EARTH’s biological people’s needs and that face the greatest production capacity has already been di- population growth. verted to human use. Life-supporting eco- z Since the 1960s, fertility in de- systems are affected everywhere by the veloping countries has been reduced planet’s 6.7 billion people, which is pro- from an average of six births per jected to reach at least 9.2 billion by 2050. woman to three, thanks primarily to The links between population the use of contraceptives. However, UNFPA, the United Nations and environmental quality are com- in 56 developing countries, the poorest plex and varied. Understanding them women still average six births, compared Population Fund, is an requires knowledge of consumption rates to 3.2 for the wealthiest. that differ between the rich and the poor, international development z The wealthiest countries, with less than of new and old technologies, of resource 20 per cent of earth’s population and the agency that promotes the extraction and restoration, and of the dy- slowest population growth, account for 86 namics of population growth and migration. right of every woman, man percent of natural resource consumption– Humans are depleting natural re- much of it wasteful–and produce the ma- and child to enjoy a life of sources, degrading soil and water, and cre- jority of the pollution and carbon dioxide. ating waste at an alarming rate, even as health and equal opportunity. z At the other extreme, the depletion of new technology raises crop yields, con- natural resources is occurring most rapidly serves resources and cleans up pollution.
    [Show full text]
  • Improving Air Quality for Operators of Mobile Machines in Underground Mines
    atmosphere Article Improving Air Quality for Operators of Mobile Machines in Underground Mines Andrzej Szczurek 1, Monika Maciejewska 1,*, Marcin Przybyła 2 and Wacław Szetelnicki 2 1 Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrze˙zeWyspia´nskiego27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland; [email protected] 2 Centrum Bada´nJako´scisp. zo. o., ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 62, 59-301 Lubin, Poland; [email protected] (M.P.); [email protected] (W.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +48-7132-028-68 Received: 12 November 2020; Accepted: 9 December 2020; Published: 18 December 2020 Abstract: In underground mines, mobile mining equipment is critical for the production system. The microenvironment inside the mobile machine may cause exposure to strongly polluted mine air, which adversely affects the health and working performance of the operator. Harmful pollutants may access the cabin together with the ventilation air delivered from the machine’s surroundings. This work proposes a solution that is able to ensure that the air for the machine operator is of proper quality. The proposal emerged from an analysis of the compliance of cabins of mobile machines working underground in mines with occupational health and safety (H&S) standards. An analytical model of air quality in a well-mixed zone was utilized for this purpose. The cabin atmosphere was investigated with regard to the concentration of gaseous species in the surrounding air, the cabin ventilation rate, and human breathing parameters. The analysis showed that if currently available ventilation approaches are used, compliance with multiple H&S standards cannot be attained inside the cabin if standards are exceeded in the surroundings of the machine.
    [Show full text]
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (Vocs)
    VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) What are VOCs? Sources of VOCs These volatile carbon-containing compounds quickly Man-made VOCs are typically petroleum-based and evaporate into the atmosphere once emitted. While are a major component of gasoline. In this situation, coming from certain solids or liquids, VOCs are VOCs are emitted through gasoline vaporization released as gases. and vehicle exhaust. Burning fuel, such as gasoline, wood, coal, or natural gas, also releases VOCs. VOCs Why are VOCs of concern? are used in solvents and can be found in paints, VOCs are a source of indoor and outdoor pollution. paint thinners, lacquer thinners, moth repellents, air fresheners, wood preservatives, degreasers, dry As an indoor pollution, VOCs may be referred to as cleaning fluids, cleaning solutions, adhesives, inks, volatile organic chemicals. Indoors, VOCs evaporate and some, but not all, pesticides. Major sources under normal indoor atmospheric conditions with of VOCs and NOx involve emissions from industrial respect to temperature and pressure. facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, As an outdoor pollutant, VOCs are of concern due gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents. Pesticides to their reaction with nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the containing solvents typically release high rates of presence of sunlight. The reaction forms ground-level VOCs. The active ingredient in certain pesticides may ozone (O3) – the main component of smog. If levels are contain VOCs, as well. Solid formulations release the high enough, this ground-level ozone can be harmful to lowest amount. human health and vegetation, including crops. In nature, VOCs can originate from fossil fuel deposits, such as oil sands, and can be emitted from volcanoes, vegetation and bacteria.
    [Show full text]
  • Indoor Air Quality
    Indoor Air Quality Poor indoor air quality can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, headache, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or other breathing problems or who have allergies may have severe reactions. Common Indoor Air Pollutants Poor indoor air quality comes from many sources, including: » Tobacco smoke » Mold » Pollen » Allergens such as those from cats, dogs, mice, dust mites, and cockroaches » Smoke from fireplaces and woodstoves » Formaldehyde in building materials, textiles, and furniture » Carbon monoxide from gas furnaces, ovens, and other appliances » Use of household products such as cleaners and bug sprays » Outdoor air pollution from factories, vehicles, wildfires, and other sources How to Improve Indoor Air Quality » Open windows to let in fresh air. • However, if you have asthma triggered by outdoor air pollution or pollen, opening windows might not be a good idea. In this case, use exhaust fans and non-ozone-producing air cleaners to reduce exposure to these triggers. » Clean often to get rid of dust, pet fur, and other allergens. • Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. • Wet or damp mopping is better than sweeping. » Take steps to control mold and pests. » Do not smoke, and especially do not smoke indoors. If you think poor indoor air is making you sick, please see or call a doctor or other health care provider. About CDC CDC is a federal public health agency based in Atlanta, GA. Our mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury and disability. For More Information We want to help you to stay healthy.
    [Show full text]
  • Monitoring of Airborne Contamination Using Mobile Equipment
    STUK-A130 FEBRUARY 1996 9- Monitoring of Airborne Contamination Using Mobile Equipment T. Honkamaa, H. Toivonen, M. Nikkinen 1 0 r 1 v. f STUK-A130 FEBRUARY 1996 Monitoring of Airborne Contamination Using Mobile Equipment T. Honkamaa, H. Toivonen, M. Nikkinen FINNISH CENTRE FOR RADIATION AND NUCLEAR SAFETY P.O.BOX 14 FIN-00881 HELSINKI Finland Tel. +358 0 759881 NEXT PAGE(S) left BLANK FINNISH CENTRE FOR RADIATION STUK-A130 AND NUCLEAR SAFETY T. Honkamaa, H. Toivonen, M. Nikkinen. Monitoring of Airborne Contamination Using Mobile Equipment. Helsinki 1996, 65 pp. ISBN 951-712-094-X ISSN 0781-1705 Key words Radioactive particles, in-field gamma-ray spectrometry, emergency preparedness ABSTRACT Rapid and accurate measurements must be carried out in a nuclear disaster that releases radioactive material into the atmosphere. To evaluate the risk to the people, .external dose rate and nuclide-specific activity concentrations in air must be determined. The Finnish Centre for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (STUK) has built an emergency vehicle to accomplish these tasks in the field. The present paper describes the systems and methods to determine the activity concentration in air. Airborne particulate sampling and gamma-ray spectrometric analysis are quantitative and sensitive tools to evaluate the nuclide-specific concentrations in air. The vehicle is equipped with a pump sampler which sucks air through a glassfiber filter (flow about 10 1 s"1). Representative sampling of airborne particles from a moving vehicle is a demanding task. According to the calculations the total collection efficiency in calm air is 60 -140% for the particle size range of 0.1 - 30 um.
    [Show full text]
  • People and the Planet: Lessons for a Sustainable Future. INSTITUTION Zero Population Growth, Inc., Washington, D.C
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 409 188 SE 060 352 AUTHOR Wasserman, Pamela, Ed. TITLE People and the Planet: Lessons for a Sustainable Future. INSTITUTION Zero Population Growth, Inc., Washington, D.C. REPORT NO ISBN-0-945219-12-1 PUB DATE 96 NOTE 210p. AVAILABLE FROM Zero Population Growth, Inc., 1400 16th Street N.W., Suite 320, Washington, DC 20036, e-mail: [email protected] PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Teacher (052) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC09 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Conservation (Environment); Elementary Secondary Education; *Environmental Education; Natural Resources; Pollution; Population Trends; Sustainable Development; Teaching Guides IDENTIFIERS *Environmental Action; Environmental Awareness ABSTRACT This activity guide is designed to develop students' understanding of the interdependence of people and the environment as well as the interdependence connecting members of the global family. It is both an environmental education curriculum and a global studies resource suitable for middle school science, social studies, math, language arts, and family life education classrooms. The readings and activities contained in this book are designed to broaden students' knowledge of trends and connections among population change, natural resource use, global economics, gender equity, and community health. This knowledge combined with the critical thinking skills developed in each activity will help students explore their roles as global citizens and environmental stewards. The book is divided into four parts: (1) Understanding Population Dynamics;(2) People, Resources, and the Environment; (3) Issues for the Global Family; and (4) You and Your Community. Also included is a list of activities grouped by themes including air/water pollution and climate change, carrying capacity, environmental and social ethics, family size decisions, future studies, land use issues, natural resource use, population dynamics and trends, resource distribution/inequities, solid waste management, and sustainability.
    [Show full text]
  • 4 Air Pollution Impacts on Forests in a Changing Climate
    GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES 4 Air Pollution Impacts on Forests in a Changing Climate Convening lead author: Martin Lorenz Lead authors: Nicholas Clarke and Elena Paoletti Contributing authors: Andrzej Bytnerowicz, Nancy Grulke, Natalia Lukina, Hiroyuki Sase and Jeroen Staelens Abstract: Growing awareness of air pollution effects on forests has, from the early 1980s on, led to intensive forest damage research and monitoring. This has fostered air pollution control, especially in Europe and North America, and to a smaller extent also in other parts of the world. At several forest sites in these regions, there are first indications of a recovery of forest soil and tree conditions that may be attributed to improved air quality. This caused a decrease in the attention paid by politicians and the public to air pollution effects on forests. But air pollution continues to affect the structure and functioning of forest ecosystems not only in Europe and North America but even more so in parts of Russia, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. At the political level, however, attention to climate change is focussed on questions of CO2 emission and carbon sequestration. But ecological interactions between air pollution including CO2 and O3 concentrations, extreme temperatures, drought, insects, pathogens, and fire, as well as the impact of ecosystem management practices, are still poorly under- stood. Future research should focus on the interacting impacts on forest trees and ecosystems. The integrative effects of air pollution and climatic change, in particular elevated O3, altered nutrient, temperature, water availability, and elevated CO2, will be key issues for impact research. An important improvement in our understanding might be obtained by the combination of long-term multidisciplinary experiments with ecosystem-level monitoring, and the integration of the results with ecosystem modelling within a multiple-constraint framework.
    [Show full text]
  • WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality : Selected Pollutants
    WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: This book presents WHO guidelines for the protection of pub- lic health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. The substances considered in this review, i.e. benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (especially benzo[a]pyrene), radon, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethyl- ene, have indoor sources, are known in respect of their hazard- ousness to health and are often found indoors in concentrations of health concern. The guidelines are targeted at public health professionals involved in preventing health risks of environmen- SELECTED CHEMICALS SELECTED tal exposures, as well as specialists and authorities involved in the design and use of buildings, indoor materials and products. POLLUTANTS They provide a scientific basis for legally enforceable standards. World Health Organization Regional Offi ce for Europe Scherfi gsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Tel.: +45 39 17 17 17. Fax: +45 39 17 18 18 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.euro.who.int WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants The WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn Office, WHO Regional Office for Europe coordinated the development of these WHO guidelines. Keywords AIR POLLUTION, INDOOR - prevention and control AIR POLLUTANTS - adverse effects ORGANIC CHEMICALS ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE - adverse effects GUIDELINES ISBN 978 92 890 0213 4 Address requests for publications of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to: Publications WHO Regional Office for Europe Scherfigsvej 8 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Alternatively, complete an online request form for documentation, health information, or for per- mission to quote or translate, on the Regional Office web site (http://www.euro.who.int/pubrequest).
    [Show full text]
  • Population Sampling in European Air Pollution Exposure Study, EXPOLIS: Comparisons Between the Cities and Representativeness of the Samples
    Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology (2000) 10, 355±364 # 2000 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved 1053-4245/00/$15.00 www.nature.com/jea Population sampling in European air pollution exposure study, EXPOLIS: comparisons between the cities and representativeness of the samples TUULIA ROTKO,a LUCY OGLESBY,b NINO KUÈ NZLIb AND MATTI J. JANTUNENc aDepartment of Environmental Hygiene, National Public Health Institute, P.O. Box 95, FIN 70701 Kuopio, Finland bUniversity of Basel, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Basel, Switzerland cEU Joint Research Centre, Environment Institute, Air Quality Unit, I-21020 Ispra (VA), Italy A personal air pollution exposure study, EXPOLIS, was accomplished in six European cities among 25- to 55-year-old citizens. In order to compare the exposure results and different microenvironmental concentrations between the cities it is crucial to know the extent and effects of the population bias that has developed in sampling procedure and the sociodemographic characteristics of each measured population sample. In each participating city a random Base sample of 2000 to 3000 individuals was drawn from the census and a Short Questionnaire (SQ) was mailed to them. Two subsamples of the Respondents of the mailed questionnaire were randomly drawn: Diary sample for 48-h time±microenvironment±activity diary and extensive exposure questionnaires, and Exposure sample for the same plus personal exposure and microenvironmental monitoring. Significant differences existed between the EXPOLIS cities in the population-sampling procedure. Population-sampling bias was evaluated by comparing the Respondents with the total city populations. The share of women and individuals with more than 14 years of education is higher among the Respondents than the overall population except in Athens.
    [Show full text]