Measuring and Evaluating Measuring and Evaluating Air Pollutants Air Pollutants

and Other Stressorsand Other Stressorsin Real Time in Real Time

Bruce Groves, CIHMorristown, NJ

How do weHow do we improve air quality improve air quality

in high-density in high-density areas?areas?

Focus on local air pollution that creates unhealthy pockets of air pollution that cumulatively impact people who are exposed

Reducing Local Air Pollution Levels Reducing Local Air Pollution Levels Requires Alternative Approaches Requires Alternative Approaches to Evaluate and Control Exposuresto Evaluate and Control Exposures

Pollution sources are often:• Numerous • Diverse • Mobile • Episodic• Affected by local meteorologic conditions

The Solution is Real-time, The Solution is Real-time, Integrated Sampling Integrated Sampling

and Evaluationand Evaluation Offers the best approach

for environmental assessment Completely integrates

environmental data Focuses on challenging,

polluted areas Allows immediate action

and observation

Integrated, Real-time Integrated, Real-time Air/Environmental Air/Environmental Monitoring allows us Monitoring allows us to:to:

Focus on air sampling of dust (multiple particle size) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) (gases, vapors)

Correlate measurement to wind speed and direction Include video, digital imaging, and other

environmental data Provide immediate graphic illustration of integrated

data

Creating Safer NeighborhoodsCreating Safer Neighborhoods

Creating Safer NeighborhoodsCreating Safer Neighborhoods

When particulates, vapors, and other measurable When particulates, vapors, and other measurable contaminants (contaminants (surrogatessurrogates) are at threshold, we:) are at threshold, we:• Alert authorized personnelAlert authorized personnel• Take prompt action to reduce pollutantsTake prompt action to reduce pollutants• Start automatic analytic samplingStart automatic analytic sampling

Monitoring Environmental Stressors Monitoring Environmental Stressors That Can Affect Cumulative Health InpactsThat Can Affect Cumulative Health Inpacts Noise Vibration Temperature, other meteorologic indicators Radiation Odor Microbiologic (spores, bacteria, pollen counts)

Benefits of Real-time Monitoring Benefits of Real-time Monitoring of Neighborhood Pollutantsof Neighborhood Pollutants

Identify local pollution sources in real time Identify and measure contributing conditions Sample specific contaminants

when surrogate triggers are at threshold

Benefits of Real-time Monitoring Benefits of Real-time Monitoring of Neighborhood Pollutantsof Neighborhood Pollutants

Measure effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of controls to reduce pollution

Provide integrated data from all detectors within a single platform and in real time

Provide empirical data to test and better design air quality models and approaches

Policy Recommendations:Policy Recommendations:

Scientific Policy1. Launch pilot studies of sophisticated, integrated

real-time data monitoring systems in targeted high-density areas

2. Identify, test, and evaluate detector technology3. Focus research in measuring particulate size

concentrations as surrogates for improving local air pollution

Policy Recommendations: Policy Recommendations:

Legislative policy1. Analyze real-time empirical data

to develop consistent thresholds and approaches to reduce air pollution

2. Evaluate current practices in measuring air pollution and other environmental stressors at construction and hazardous waste sites

3. Develop consistent actions and controls when pollutants are at threshold

Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers

Bruce D. Groves, CIHBruce D. Groves, CIHwww.emilcott.com www.emilcott.com