Learning from SARS

Learning from SARS

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2004-04-26

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 0309182158

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The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in late 2002 and 2003 challenged the global public health community to confront a novel epidemic that spread rapidly from its origins in southern China until it had reached more than 25 other countries within a matter of months. In addition to the number of patients infected with the SARS virus, the disease had profound economic and political repercussions in many of the affected regions. Recent reports of isolated new SARS cases and a fear that the disease could reemerge and spread have put public health officials on high alert for any indications of possible new outbreaks. This report examines the response to SARS by public health systems in individual countries, the biology of the SARS coronavirus and related coronaviruses in animals, the economic and political fallout of the SARS epidemic, quarantine law and other public health measures that apply to combating infectious diseases, and the role of international organizations and scientific cooperation in halting the spread of SARS. The report provides an illuminating survey of findings from the epidemic, along with an assessment of what might be needed in order to contain any future outbreaks of SARS or other emerging infections.


Rethinking the Ozone Problem in Urban and Regional Air Pollution

Rethinking the Ozone Problem in Urban and Regional Air Pollution

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1992-02-01

Total Pages: 525

ISBN-13: 0309046319

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Despite more than 20 years of regulatory efforts, concern is widespread that ozone pollution in the lower atmosphere, or troposphere, threatens the health of humans, animals, and vegetation. This book discusses how scientific information can be used to develop more effective regulations to control ozone. Rethinking the Ozone Problem in Urban and Regional Air Pollution discusses: The latest data and analysis on how tropospheric ozone is formed. How well our measurement techniques are functioning. Deficiencies in efforts to date to control the problem. Approaches to reducing ozone precursor emissions that hold the most promise. What additional research is needed. With a wealth of technical information, the book discusses atmospheric chemistry, the role of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ozone formation, monitoring and modeling the formation and transport processes, and the potential contribution of alternative fuels to solving the tropospheric ozone problem. The committee discusses criteria for designing more effective ozone control efforts. Because of its direct bearing on decisions to be made under the Clean Air Act, this book should be of great interest to environmental advocates, industry, and the regulatory community as well as scientists, faculty, and students.


Ozone-Forming Potential of Reformulated Gasoline

Ozone-Forming Potential of Reformulated Gasoline

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1999-09-23

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 0309064457

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The Committee on Ozone-Forming Potential for Reformulated Gasoline was asked whether the existing body of scientific and technical information is sufficient to permit a robust evaluation and comparison of the emissions from motor vehicles using different reformulated gasolines based on their ozone-forming potentials and to assess the concomitant impact of that approach on air-quality benefits of the use of oxygenates within the RFG program. As part of its charge, the committee was asked to consider (1) the technical soundness of various approaches for evaluating and comparing the relative ozone-forming potentials of RFG blends, (2) technical aspects of various air-quality issues related to RFG assessment, and (3) the sensitivity of evaluations of the relative ozone-forming potentials to factors related to fuel properties and the variability of vehicle technologies and driving patterns.


Ozone in Water Treatment

Ozone in Water Treatment

Author: Am Water Works Res F

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1991-02-13

Total Pages: 602

ISBN-13: 9780873714747

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With the advent of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986, many water utilities are reexamining their water treatment practices. Upcoming new regulations on disinfection and on disinfection by-products, in particular, are the primary driving forces for the big interest in ozone. It appears that ozone, with its strong disinfection capabilities, and apparently lower levels of disinfection by-products (compared to other disinfectants), may be the oxidant/disinfectant of choice. Many utilities currently using chlorine for oxidation may need to switch due to chlorine by-product concerns. Utilities using chloramines may need to use ozone to meet CT requirements. This book, prepared by 35 international experts, includes current technology on the design, operation, and control of the ozone process within a drinking water plant. It combines almost 100 years of European ozone design and operating experience with North American design/operations experience and the North American regulatory and utility operational environment. Topics covered include ozone chemistry, toxicology, design consideration, engineering aspects, design of retrofit systems, and the operation and economics of ozone technology. The book contains a "how to" section on ozone treatability studies, which explains what information can be learned using treatability studies, at what scale (bench, pilot, or demonstration plant), and how this information can be used to design full-scale systems. It also includes valuable tips regarding important operating practices, as well as guidance on retrofits and the unique issues involved with retrofitting the ozone process. With ozone being one of the hottest areas of interest in drinking water, this book will prove essential to all water utilities, design engineers, regulators, and plant managers and supervisors.


Surface-Level Ozone Exposures and Their Effects on Vegetation

Surface-Level Ozone Exposures and Their Effects on Vegetation

Author: Allen S. Lefohn

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1991-12-18

Total Pages: 392

ISBN-13: 9780873711692

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Tropospheric ozone is a regionally distributed air pollutant that adversely affects both humans and vegetation. Surface-Level Ozone Exposures and Their Effects on Vegetation focuses on the formation, distribution, and transport of surface-level ozone; the characterization of its exposures; the mechanisms and processes involved in its deposition and uptake by plants; and its effects on the growth of crops and forest trees. State-of-the-art information is presented and the methodology for studying its effects on vegetation is critically reviewed. This background material leads to a discussion of the approaches for developing an air quality standard that will provide protection from the adverse effects of ozone, as well as suggestions for future research directions. Researchers and professionals in the utility industry, oil industry, and government environmental agencies; university instructors; and students will find that this book is filled with information that can be used on a daily basis in their work and studies.


Estimating Mortality Risk Reduction and Economic Benefits from Controlling Ozone Air Pollution

Estimating Mortality Risk Reduction and Economic Benefits from Controlling Ozone Air Pollution

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2008-07-21

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 0309177855

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In light of recent evidence on the relationship of ozone to mortality and questions about its implications for benefit analysis, the Environmental Protection Agency asked the National Research Council to establish a committee of experts to evaluate independently the contributions of recent epidemiologic studies to understanding the size of the ozone-mortality effect in the context of benefit analysis. The committee was also asked to assess methods for estimating how much a reduction in short-term exposure to ozone would reduce premature deaths, to assess methods for estimating associated increases in life expectancy, and to assess methods for estimating the monetary value of the reduced risk of premature death and increased life expectancy in the context of health-benefits analysis. Estimating Mortality Risk Reduction and Economic Benefits from Controlling Ozone Air Pollution details the committee's findings and posits several recommendations to address these issues.


Chemistry of Environmental Systems

Chemistry of Environmental Systems

Author: Jeffrey S. Gaffney

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2019-11-04

Total Pages: 575

ISBN-13: 1119313406

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A modern guide to environmental chemistry Chemistry of Environmental Systems: Fundamental Principles and Analytical Methods offers a comprehensive and authoritative review of modern environmental chemistry, discussing the chemistry and interconnections between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere. Written by internationally recognized experts, the textbook explores the chemistries of the natural environmental systems and demonstrates how these chemical processes change when anthropogenic emissions are introduced into the whole earth system. This important text: Combines the key areas of environmental chemistry needed to understand the sources, fates, and impacts of contaminants in the environment Describes a range of environmental analytical methodologies Explores the basic environmental effects of energy sources, including nuclear energy Encourages a proactive approach to environmental chemistry, with a focus on preventing future environmental problems Includes study questions at the end of each chapter Written for students of environmental chemistry, environmental science, environmental engineering, geoscience, earth and atmospheric sciences, Chemistry of Environmental Systems: Fundamental Principles and Analytical Methods covers the key aspects and mechanisms of currently identified environmental issues, which can be used to address both current and future environmental problems.