Air pollution Air Pollution

The challenges of air pollution legislation Challenges of Risk Assessment Economic consequences of over-regulation Geographic Variation Fairness and the Precautionary Principle

Modeling of Air Pollution Chemical Changes Transport Deposition Emission

Major Air Pollutants Particulates Nitrogen Oxides Sulfur Oxides Carbon Oxides Hydrocarbons Ozone Stratospheric troposheric Lead (included with particulates in the text) Air Toxics (hazardous air pollutants) Primary and Secondary Pollutants Mobile and Stationary Sources Smog Photochemical Smog

Air Pollutant Sources (CA)

Effects of Air Pollution Hazard Identification and Dose Response Respiratory Disease Emphysema Bronchitis Asthma Lung Cancer Toxic Responses Mental impairment and Death CO – reduction in blood’s ability to transport oxygen Neurotoxic responses and effects on development Teratogenic and Mutagenic Effects (less common for airborne pollutants)

Effects of Air Pollution Hazard Identification and Dose Response Loss of plant productivity Damage to wildlife populations Corrode metals and concrete

Issues associated with Exposure Assessment for outdoor air pollution

Exposure Assessment

Hazard Characterization Establishment of standards Chronic vs. acute exposures Sensitivity of the receptor Precautionary principle? Go through Risk Assessment Effects on human health Effects on the ecosystem Effects on buildings and structures Calculation of dosage Inversions/Climatic Effects

Establishment of Limits Maintain or improve conditions? Who bears the burden? Economic consequences of over-protection vs. the environmental and health risks associated with the pollutants:

Technology to Control Air Pollution Stationary sources Scrubbers… Reduce pollution in material being burned Higher stacks (greater dilution) Hotter temperatures (more rapid dispersal) Mobile Sources Catalytic converters Cleaner fuels Inspections

Legislation to Control Air Pollution Clean Air Act (1963, 1970, 1990) Common Pollutants Criteria Pollutants Mobile Sources Acid Rain Toxic Air Pollution Stratospheric Ozone Mobile Sources Cleaner Cars Catalytic converters Lead and other toxins Reformulated Gasoline Low Sulfur Fuels Alternative Fuels Cleaner Trucks and Buses Transportation Policies Inspection and Maintenance Programs

Stationary Sources Industry Based Approach BAT/BPT (LAER) Attainment Areas Prevention of Significant Deterioration Non-Attainment Areas All nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) programs have to require (1) the installation of the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER), (2) emission offsets, and (3) opportunity for public involvement. (4) Control of Mobile Sources

Ozone Depletion http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/Students_Teachers/ozanim/ozoanim.shtml

Acid Precipitation Effects on the Environment Human health Release of materials from the soil (heavy metals) Buildings and Structures Causes decay of concrete (bridges, dams) Damage to statues Ecosystem Forest Decline Direct Foliar Damage Increased leaching of nutrients Increased vulnerability to pest damage Wildlife Damage to eggs (fish and amphibians) Damage to juvenile fish Water quality effects At low pH levels damage to adult fish can occur 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act

Global Distillation Effect

Indoor Air Pollution