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Additional Sampling Results Released From Air Monitoring Sites in Mississippi

Release Date: 11/17/2005
Contact Information:


Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-Nov. 17, 2005) Twenty daily samples for acrolein are now available from the monitoring sites in Mississippi. Three monitoring sites in Mississippi have recorded six daily acrolein concentrations above EPA's 1-year screening level.

Acrolein is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can be formed and enter the air when organic matter such as trees, gasoline and oil are burned. Individuals exposed to acute concentrations of acrolein would likely experience temporary minor irritation of the nose and throat.

Sampling and laboratory methods used in the past, to collect and analyze acrolein, were determined to be inadequate for air sampling. A new method, put into practice earlier this year, was developed to improve the stability, recovery, and quantitation of acrolein. Experience with this method is limited. Current results are being reassessed for their validity and additional quality assurance work is underway. Until the validity of the acrolein monitoring results are confirmed, the acrolein data should be viewed with caution.

As part of a larger regional air quality monitoring effort, this new data provides more detailed information on pollutants than previous data from earlier air screening and real-time measurements.

EPA will continue to provide additional air quality information as it becomes available.

Time-delayed Air Data Results: https://www.epa.gov/enviro/katrina/emkatrina.html