Indoor air quality at a public bus terminal facility

This paper presents an assessment of indoor air quality at a public bus terminal. For this purpose, air samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Mathematical modeling was used to simulate emission factors, occupational exposure, and required ventilation rates to maintain adequate indoor air quality. Mitigation measures that can improve the indoor air quality in public bus terminals are also presente

Indoor air quality and occupational exposures at a bus terminal

This article presents an assessment of indoor air quality at a bus terminal. For this purpose, field surveys were conducted, and air samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of selected indoor air quality indicators. Mathematical modeling was performed to simulate bus emission rates, occupational exposure, and ventilation requirements to maintain acceptable indoor air quality. A sensitivity analysis based on literature-derived emission rates estimates was conducted to evaluate the effect of seasonal temperature changes within the terminal. Control measures to improve indoor air quality at the terminal are also outlined. While carbon monoxide concentrations were below the corresponding American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH®) standards under normal operating conditions, they exceeded the 8-hr recommended average standard at peak hours and the World Health Organization (WHO) standard at all times. Total suspended particulates levels, on the other hand, were above the 24-hr American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) standard. Carbon monoxide emission rates that were estimated using the transient mass balance model correlated relatively well with those reported in the literature. Modeling results showed that the natural ventilation rate should be at least doubled for acceptable indoor air quality. While pollutant exposure levels depended on the individual activity patterns and the pollutant concentration, pollutant emissions rates within the terminal were affected mostly by the temperature with a 20-25 percent variation in carbon monoxide levels due to changes in seasonal temperatures

Risk assessment of occupational exposure to ETS emissions

This paper presents an assessment of occupational indoor exposure to air pollutants emitted from environmental tobacco smoke in a public restaurant. Field monitoring data of carbon monoxide (CO) and total suspended particulates (TSP) levels were used to calibrate the model RISK and simulate pollutant concentration profiles in various subdivisions of the prototype restaurant, and instantaneous as well as cumulative exposure levels for working individuals. The risk assessment of occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke was then examined using risk levels associated with CO and TSP. Mitigation measures were evaluated in terms of efficiency of decreasing pollutant exposure levels

The Israeli Palestinian Mountain Aquifer: a case study in ground water conflict resolution

The dispute between Israelis and Palestinians over shared water resources of the Mountain Aquifer is one potential obstacle in the path of peace in the Middle East. This aquifer is the only source of water for Palestinians in the West Bank and the main provider of fresh water to Israelis. The majority of its natural recharge area lies within the West Bank territories with two of its three basins flowing naturally toward Israel. In 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank and imposed strict control policies over the utilization of the Mountain Aquifer's water. At present, Palestinians and Israelis are moving toward a political resolution of their more than half a century old conflict. In the Declaration of Principles, Israelis and Palestinians created preconditions for the coming negotiations and the Israelis recognized water rights for Palestinians. There is no clear indication of the extent to which water would be under Palestinian control during the interim period, but there is an implicit recognition of the need to reform the existing water allocation system. In the Final Status Negotiations, the Joint Mountain Aquifer Committee, members from the Israeli government and the Palestinian National Authority must make decisions regarding the equitable distribution and joint management of the shared water of the Mountain Aquifer. This paper provides a decision case for a course at the graduate or senior undergraduate level based on water resources issues impacting the peace process

Correlation of indoor-outdoor air quality in urban areas

Indoor and outdoor air quality was investigated at 28 public locations with mostly mechanical ventilation systems. The locations were selected from various geographic categories representing different environments for indoor/outdoor air pollutant characterisation. The selected indoor locations included restaurants, recreation places, sport centres, schools, commercial kitchens, hotels, swimming pools and movie theatres. The concentrations of PM, CO, NO2 and selected priority metals were measured at each location. Pollutant concentrations exceeded indoor air quality standards at locations with indoor sources (smoking, gas stoves, cleaning products, etc.). As such, highest I/O ratios were correlated with the existence of indoor sources for the pollutant of concern. The effects of outdoor conditions were reflected in terms of distance to the main road and the correlation between indoor and outdoor levels was evident when the sampled locations were sorted on the basis of their source characteristics