Air Quality - an Overview [Jun 2010]
The importance of regulation and the accumulation of reliable data cannot be overestimated
Air quality continues to become a more and more pertinent issue to people as they get on with their busy lives. The quality of the air that we breathe means different things to different people. Of concern to all of us is the potential for negative effects to our health. Both UK and EU legislation1 recognises the ‘worst offenders’, namely sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and heavy metals including mercury and lead. Epidemiological studies, past and present have made the link between increased levels of pollution in the atmosphere and mortality rate. The ‘Great’ London Smog of December 1952 was accountable by some estimations for the premature death of up to 12,000 people2. The causes were stable atmospheric conditions, cold weather, but pertinently the release of enhanced masses of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter from domestic and industrial burning of coal and other solid fuels. The likelihood of such an event happening in the western world today is remote. The use of ‘cleaner’ fuels and tighter industrial regulation ensure that even under the most unfavourable meteorological conditions, major urban centres are not prone to the pea-soup conditions of yesteryear.
Other articles you will find in the same issue include:
Analysis of Water Samples
Chromatography - The Science of Separation
Dry Heat and Humidity
Heavy Metals' Monitoring
Monitoring of Industrial Noise
Soil Moisture Sensors and Applications
As well as information about the following new Regulations
