urces. For instance, Tucson, Ariz., measured particulates of 10-microns or smaller at 85 micrograms per cubic meter on April 17 and 18, while Savannah, Ga., registered an 85 on April 20. Salt Lake City, Winston-Salem, N.C., and Aspen, Colo., all had measurements in the 70s at some point during the event, and Atlanta registered a 67 on April 20.
About half the particulates measured in those areas came from Asian dust and half came from local pollution sources, Jaffe said.
"If you were driving in this, you'd wonder what was going on. It's a noticeable aerosol loading," he said.
He noted that particulates of 2.5 microns or smaller can begin having health effects at concentrations of 40 micrograms per cubic meter. Since roughly half the particulates arriving from Asia were that small, that would mean cities where particulates of 10 microns or smaller registered 80 or above would have had enough small particulates for residents with respiratory problems to feel the effects.
Jaffe said the 2001 and 2003 events have given greater gravity to a phenomenon he first reported in 1998.
"It's gone from a geophysical curiosity to a point where we can now say that, 'Yes, this occurs at large-enough levels occasionally that it can affect our air quality,'" he said.
'"/>
Contact: Vince Stricherz
vinces@u.washington.edu
206-543-2580
University of Washington
13-Feb-2004
Page: 1 2 3 Related biology news :1.
New research shows air pollution can reduce childrens lung function2.
Research suggests unborn children may be at risk from environmental pollution3.
What actually influences air pollution over the Indian Ocean?4.
New England forests at greater risk from air pollution5.
Plant gene discovery could enhance plant growth, reduce fertilizer needs and phosphate pollution6.
New York City study shows newborns more susceptible to pollution than their mothers7.
Gene at root of urban air pollutions lung effects8.
Springer - A solution to water pollution?9.
Household activities release a cloud of dust, increasing exposure to particulate pollution10.
Local, regional governments could take lead in curbing global air pollution11.
New evidence points to pollution as main cause of much coral reef destruction