Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 2 de 2
Filter
Add more filters










Database
Language
Publication year range
1.
Appl Opt ; 48(18): 3355-61, 2009 Jun 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19543341

ABSTRACT

Concerns about the health effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and its role in forming deleterious atmospheric species have made it desirable to have low-cost, sensitive ambient measurements of NO2. We have developed a continuous-wave laser-diode laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system for NO2 that operates at ambient pressure, thereby eliminating the need for an expensive pumping system. The current prototype system has achieved sensitivity several orders of magnitude beyond previous efforts at ambient pressure (limit of detection of 2 ppb, 60 s averaging time). Ambient measurements of NO2 were made in Portland, Oregon using both the standard NO2 chemiluminescence method and the LIF instrument and showed good agreement (r2 = 0.92).

2.
Environ Res ; 107(3): 401-11, 2008 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18466894

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Changes in climate systems are increasing heat wave frequency and air stagnation, both conditions associated with exacerbating poor air quality and of considerable public health concern. OBJECTIVES: Heat and air pollution advisory systems are in place in many cities for early detection and response to reduce health consequences, or severity of adverse conditions. Whereas the ability to forecast heat waves and/or air pollution episodes has become increasingly sophisticated and accurate, little is known about the effectiveness of advisories in altering public behavior. METHODS: Air quality and meteorological conditions were measured during advisory and control days in Portland, OR and Houston, TX in 2005 and 2006 and 1962 subjects were interviewed by telephone about their perception and response to these conditions. RESULTS: Elevated ambient temperatures were accurately recognized regardless of air conditioning use; in Portland, respondents resorted to active cooling behavior (AC, fan, etc.), while in Houston no such change was observed. More heat-related symptoms were reported in Portland compared to Houston, probably due to low air conditioning use in the northwest. One-third of study participants were aware of air quality advisories but only approximately 10-15% claimed to have changed activities during such an episode. Not the advisory, however, drove their behavior change, but rather the perception of poor air quality, which was not related to PM(2.5) or ozone measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Messages are not reaching the public during potentially hazardous weather and air quality conditions. Climatic forecasts are increasingly predictive but public agencies fail to mount an appropriate outreach response.


Subject(s)
Air Pollution/analysis , Behavior/physiology , Perception/physiology , Weather , Data Collection , Female , Hot Temperature , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Ozone/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis , Socioeconomic Factors , United States
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...