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EPA AWARDS $2 MILLION TO HELP PREDICT GROUND-LEVEL OZONE
Release Date: 08/17/2001
Contact Information:
Environmental News
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2001
EPA AWARDS $2 MILLION TO HELP PREDICT GROUND-LEVEL OZONE
Cathy Milbourn 202-564-7824/milbourn.cathy@epa.gov
EPA AWARDS $2 MILLION TO HELP PREDICT GROUND-LEVEL OZONE
Cathy Milbourn 202-564-7824/milbourn.cathy@epa.gov
EPA awarded nearly $2 million to the University of Houston to determine how air pollutants, coupled with weather conditions that exist in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area, contribute to high concentrations of ground-level ozone. This study is designed to assist states in developing ozone control strategies by better understanding how ozone and particulate matter, or soot, form. This information will be particularly useful in developing an effective state plan for reducing ground-level ozone in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area, an area currently not meeting air quality standards for ozone.
Ozone is an odorless, colorless gas composed of three atoms of oxygen. Ozone occurs both in the Earth's upper atmosphere, where it shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays and at ground level where it is a harmful air pollutant. Ground-level ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, and other industrial sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. High smog levels have been linked to increases in the severity of asthma attacks and other respiratory health problems, especially for children and the elderly.
The study is designed to determine a more accurate description of the chemical reactions contributing to the formation of ozone that occur in cities and their surrounding areas. Computer models will be used to analyze and document record-high pollution days and to develop tools for predicting potential ozone levels based on pollutant level, weather patterns, and specific atmospheric conditions.
For more information contact Michael Jones at 919-541-0528, or at
jones.michael@epa.gov
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