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Air Pollution
 Websites presented in alphabetical order Air Travel Health News: What Everyone Should Know About Air Travel 
 Information about the dangers of air travel such as deep vein thrombosis, recycled air, air rage, fear of flying, and toxins. Includes dozens of practical strategies for safe flying. The author is a self-described "air safety pioneer" and former flight attendant who flew for over 20 years "before being medically grounded due to the toxic conditions on board airplanes." http://www.flyana.com/ Topics: Health, Health, Pollution, Travel Last updated Apr 21, 2006 Air Trends
This website compiles air quality trends in "the levels of these pollutants in the air and how much of each pollutant (or the pollutants that form them) is emitted from various pollution sources." Find national and local data on carbon monoxide, ground-level ozone, lead, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. Also includes special studies and regulatory statistics. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/ Topics: Pollution Last updated Aug 6, 2008 Appalachian Voices
A nonprofit committed to protecting eastern forests by working to control air pollution in fragile ecosystems, fight proliferation of wood chip mills, strip mining, mountaintop removal, and commercial logging on public lands. Contains a report on air pollution in National Parks. http://www.appvoices.org/ Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Geology, Plants, Technology Last updated Jan 10, 2000 Atmospheric Brown Clouds: Regional Assessment Report With Focus on Asia
This report provides an assessment of atmospheric brown clouds (ABCs), which are made up of "soot, sulphates, and other aerosol components" and are "causing major threats to water and food security in Asia" and other negative concerns. It includes a summary for policymakers and a technical summary on ABCs and climate change, agriculture, and human health. Opens directly into a PDF file. From the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). http://www.unep.org/pdf/ABCSummaryFinal.pdf Topics: Pollution Last updated Nov 27, 2008 Backyard Burning
This site describes the harmful effects of backyard burning on human health and the environment. "Burning trash in the open produces many pollutants [that can cause serious respiratory ailments] including dioxins, ...hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds [VOCs], carbon monoxide, hexachlorobenzene, and ash." Backyard burning "produces various compounds toxic to the environment including nitrogen oxides, VOCs, carbon monoxide, and particle pollution." Includes information about local burning practices and restrictions. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/backyard/ Topics: Pollution Last updated Dec 1, 2008 Cars and Light Trucks
Compilation of publications providing "information about controlling emissions from passenger cars and light trucks. This includes consumer information, vehicle standards and regulations, certification and compliance, fuel economy, and test data." Some of the topics covered include green racing, federal and California exhaust and evaporative emission standards, and imported vehicles and engines. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/OMS/ld-hwy.htm Topics: Automobiles, Pollutants & Toxic Substances, Pollution Last updated May 26, 2009 Clean Air Interstate Rule
In March 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued "the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), a rule that will achieve the largest reduction in air pollution in more than a decade." This site features background information and updates about the rule, which mostly affects states in the eastern half the United States through mandates to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Includes the text of the rule and related charts. http://www.epa.gov/cair/ Topics: Pollution Last updated Mar 22, 2005 Clean Burning Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
"This site offers information to help you choose an EPA certified stove ... or another cleaner burning hearth appliance (e.g., gas or pellet stove) and use it efficiently and safely." Discusses stove and fireplace types, safe installation and wood-burning practices, impacts of wood smoke on human health and the environment, cleaner burning fireplace options, and related topics. Also includes a guide for implementing a wood stove change-out campaign. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/woodstoves/ Topics: Home & Housing, Pollution Last updated Sep 14, 2007 Clean Diesel Programs
Provides details about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs announced in May 2004 to provide more stringent emission standards for diesel engines in nonroad equipment, locomotives, and boats and ships. Also includes information about the EPA's programs for trucks and buses, its voluntary diesel retrofit program, and other clean diesel initiatives. http://www.epa.gov/diesel/ Topics: Oil & Gas, Pollutants & Toxic Substances, Pollution, Ready Reference & Quick Facts, Ready Reference & Quick Facts Last updated May 18, 2004 Clean Snowmobile Facts
"Controversies about snowmobile emissions and access to U.S. National Parks and other public lands have prompted studies, rulings, lawsuits, and technological innovations aimed at producing cleaner, quieter snowmobiles. Sponsored by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, this website presents objective and balanced information about all aspects of the debate, including concerns and possible solutions." Includes a FAQ, a glossary, publications, and links. http://deq.mt.gov/CleanSnowmobile/ Topics: Environment, Transportation, Winter Sports Last updated Nov 27, 2005 Coal Data Publications
U.S. coal industry data, including production, number of mines, consumption, reserves, imports and exports, carbon dioxide emissions, and stocks. Provides state profiles and weekly, quarterly, and annual reports. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (EIA). http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/pubs.html Topics: Energy, Geology, Industries, Pollution, Statistics, Technology Last updated Jan 5, 2005 Dimming the Sun
Companion to an April 2006 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Nova program about how "new evidence that air pollution has masked the full impact of global warming suggests the world may soon face a heightened climate crisis." Features material about history of this phenomenon going back to volcanic eruptions during the 18th-century, how contrails (vapor trails from aircraft) may influence the climate, and information about clean air technologies. Includes a teacher's guide and transcript. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sun/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jun 27, 2006 Driving Up the Heat: SUVs and Global Warming
A special report about the impact of sports utility vehicles on the environment. Includes discussion about the pollution created by SUVs, the role of the United States as one of the top polluting nations, and the relationship between dependence on oil and national security. From the Sierra Club. http://www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/SUVreport/ Topics: Automobiles, Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jul 26, 2006 Emissions Pathways, Climate Change, and Impacts on California
This 2004 report explores "the implications of the highest and lowest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emissions pathways for climate change and associated impacts in California." The report includes data for mid-century and end-of-century climate projections, and discussion of heat waves and extreme heat in Los Angeles ("quadruple in frequency while heat-related mortality increases two to three times"), reduction of forests and snowpack, and related topics. From the National Academy of Sciences. http://www.pnas.org/content/101/34/12422 Topics: California: Environment & Energy, California: Science, Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Aug 9, 2008 Everyday Science: Catalytic Converters
Background information about catalytic converters, which are used in cars to "aid in the transformation of ... pollutants [such as carbon monoxide and nitric oxide] into less harmful substances, like carbon dioxide and water" and about research efforts to reduce the cost and weight of catalytic converters. Includes fast facts, questions and answers, and images. From the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. http://www.nsls.bnl.gov/about/everyday/catalytic.html Topics: Pollution Last updated May 4, 2005 Fact Sheet: Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems
"Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity [from a flooded building] can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. ... This fact sheet discusses problems caused by microbial growth ... and the steps you can take to lessen these effects." Includes links to related information. From the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/flood.html Topics: Hurricane Katrina, Pollutants & Toxic Substances, Pollution, Water, Weather Last updated Sep 5, 2005 Facts About Fiberglass
Fact sheet about the safety of fiberglass, which is "a man-made product that is composed of natural ingredients such as sand and recycled products such as window glass and bottles." Mainly focuses on the safe installation of fiberglass insulation to reduce exposure of irritants to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. From the American Lung Association. http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35439 Topics: Home & Housing, Pollution Last updated Jul 13, 2005 Fires in Southern California
Natural color and thermal infrared images taken by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) of the October 2003 wildfires in Southern California. From the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Observatory. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=12383&oldid=11807 Topics: Astronomy, California Regions, California: Photograph Collections, California: Science, Environment, Outdoor Recreation, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Science, Technology Last updated Apr 5, 2009 Fueleconomy.gov
The heart of this site is the "Find and Compare Cars" database, with miles-per-gallon numbers for vehicles from 1985 to the present. Includes a gasoline price page with links to national and regional fuel price information, information on vehicle safety ratings and air pollution, gas mileage tips, and material on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Also find the most current model year "Fuel Economy Guide." From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Energy, Environment, Oil & Gas Last updated May 12, 2008 GLIMS: Global Land Ice Measurements From Space
This project is "designed to monitor the world's glaciers primarily using data from the ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and reflection Radiometer) instrument aboard the EOS Terra spacecraft." The site monitors the number and size of glaciers to help evaluate potential hazards and to increase our "understanding of our climate system, climate change, the formation of ice ages, and effects of global warming." The site features interactive maps, technical documentation, and related publications. Searchable. http://www.glims.org Topics: Astronomy, Environment, Geography, Geology, Pollution Last updated Nov 15, 2004 Green Vehicle Guide
Written for consumers to help them choose environmentally friendly vehicles, this site "rates only environmental performance when the vehicle is in use" using emission levels and fuel economy values as criteria. Search or browse by vehicle name or type, or view the latest year's cars as a list. Included are related links, a FAQ, and information to help the consumer reduce air pollution. From the United States Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/emissweb/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Oil & Gas, Pollution Last updated Dec 5, 2001 Heat Island Effect
This site addresses the concept of heat island effect, which "describes urban and suburban temperatures that are 2 to 10°F (1 to 6°C) hotter than nearby rural areas." Discusses impacts (including air pollution, air conditioning costs, and heat-related illnesses), ideas for reducing temperatures and energy use (such as green roofs and cool paving materials, and shade trees), and related research projects. Includes a FAQ and glossary. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/heatislands/ Topics: Energy, Pollution, Weather Last updated May 30, 2006 In-Use Vehicle Emission Testing and Recall
This site from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides "information about recall settlements and consent decree agreements reached between the Automotive Industry and EPA and a listing of the Voluntary recalls by calendar year submitted to EPA by the Automotive Industry. The In-Use Testing results obtained since 1971 and in compressed databases are also available for downloading." http://www.epa.gov/otaq/recall.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Environment Last updated May 4, 2005 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Information on common sources and health effects of indoor air pollution in homes, schools, and offices. Special emphasis on asthma, radon, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)/secondhand smoke (SHS), and mold; the site is searchable and provides hotlines and links for each topic. Some information is also available in Spanish. From the Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ Topics: Diseases & Conditions, Drugs & Medications by Type, Environment Last updated Apr 15, 2002 Infonation
Use this site to "view and compare the most up-to-date statistical data for the Member States of the United Nations." Includes a wide variety of information on many different countries, from population to the level of carbon emission, from the average temperature to the GDP." Material is also available in Spanish and French. http://www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/index.asp Topics: Environment, International Governments, War and Peace: Resources on Iraq Last updated Nov 10, 2004 International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation (ICARTT)
Information about the field experiments of several groups in North America and Europe "in the summer of 2004, aimed at developing a better understanding of the factors that shape air quality in their respective countries and the remote regions of the North Atlantic." Includes details about the research areas (regional air quality, intercontinental transport, and radiation balance), links to programs of the participating groups, outreach materials, and research updates. http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/ICARTT/ Topics: Pollution Last updated Mar 25, 2007 Methodology for Estimating Premature Deaths Associated With Long-Term Exposure to Fine Airborne Particulate Matter in California
This detailed May 2008 draft report considers the rate of premature death and other health impacts of exposure to microscopic particulate matter (PM) that arise from vehicles, power plants, and wood burning stoves in California. Includes introduction (describing ambient air quality standards), discussion of methodology (including a summary of health studies on long-term PM exposure), uncertainties, and conclusions. Opens directly into a PDF document. From the California Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/pm-mort/pm-mortdraft.pdf Topics: Pollution, Public Health & Safety Last updated May 28, 2008 National Library of Medicine: Indoor Air Pollution
This site provides links to information about indoor air pollution, including an overview of health issues, regulations and policy, specific chemicals and substances (such as tobacco smoke, radon, and biological substances), organizations, and information from the National Library of Medicine databases. Some information available in Spanish. http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/indoorairpollution.html Topics: Pollution Last updated Jun 15, 2005 National Transportation Statistics
Annual report on the nationwide use of planes, trains, automobiles, and boats that provides "detailed national-level data on the U.S. transportation system, its economic performance, safety record, energy use, and environmental impacts." Includes information on accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and data on related energy use and air emissions. Some information goes back to 1960. From the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation. http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/ Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Environment, Statistics Last updated May 27, 2003 The National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA)
Reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "ongoing comprehensive evaluation of air toxics in the U.S." Contains the results of an assessment of 1999 air toxics emissions (released in 2006), and an earlier report on 1996 toxic air pollutants. The 1999 assessment includes a summary of the findings, a FAQ on air toxics, a list of the over 170 air pollutants in the report, a glossary, data tables, maps, and tools to analyze the data. http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/natamain/ Topics: Pollution Last updated Mar 28, 2006 North American Power Plant Air Emissions
This 2005 report "presents, for the first time, specific air pollutant information from 2002 for individual fossil fuel-fired power plants across North America." It provides data for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and carbon dioxide, a map showing geographic distribution of power plants, emissions for specific facilities, and more. From the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, "an international organization created by Canada, Mexico and the United States under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation." http://www.cec.org/pubs_docs/documents/index.cfm?varlan=english&ID=1688 Topics: Energy, Pollution Last updated Oct 2, 2006 Project Vulcan
"The Vulcan Project is a NASA/DOE funded effort under the North American Carbon Program (NACP) to quantify North American fossil fuel carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at space and time scales much finer than has been achieved in the past." Its website features maps, data, and analysis about carbon emissions in the U.S. Also includes a link to a 2008 YouTube video explaining project results and links to related sites. From Purdue University. http://www.purdue.edu/eas/carbon/vulcan/index.php Topics: Pollution Last updated Apr 17, 2008 Six Common Air Pollutants
Information about the six common air pollutants (ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and lead) for which the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set national ambient air quality standards. Includes material about "sources of the pollutant, why the pollutant is of concern, health and environmental effects, efforts underway to help reduce the pollutant, and other helpful resources." From the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/ Topics: Pollution Last updated Mar 27, 2008 Sources of Indoor Air Pollution: Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Fact sheet on the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), which is "an odorless, colorless and toxic gas" that "can kill you before you are aware it is in your home." Topics include sources of CO (such as leaking chimneys and furnaces, and backdrafting from wood stoves and fireplaces), health effects, and guidelines for reducing exposure to CO. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html Topics: Pollutants & Toxic Substances, Pollution Last updated Jan 10, 2006 The State of the Air
Each state's information is displayed for counties monitoring ozone and includes total county population, populations of those groups most vulnerable to ozone pollution, the average number of ozone days, and the A-F air quality grade. Includes annual reports, links to national air quality trends, the 25 most polluted cities/counties, ways to reduce air pollution, and a chance to petition to the President and Congress to uphold the Clean Air Act. From the American Lung Association. http://lungaction.org/reports/stateoftheair2006.html Topics: Pollution Last updated Jul 13, 2006 Topic Hubs: Fiberglass Fabrication
"This primer is intended as a quick guide to the essential P2 [pollution prevention] information on Fiberglass Fabrication, as well as a compilation of pertinent on-line resources." Features industry background on this "process of molding glass fibers, and/or thermoset plastics," terms, and information about operations and pollution prevention opportunities. From the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC). http://pprc.org/hubs/toc.cfm?hub=10&subsec=7&nav=7 Topics: Jobs & Work, Pollution Last updated Jul 13, 2005 |
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