Incineration
Reported by Jun Wang
Incineration is widely used to reduce the volume of municipal solid waste, to reduce the
potential infectious properties and volume of medical waste, and to reduce the potentia;
toxicity and volume of hazardous chemical and biological waste.
Incineration is an approciate means of managing waste, but the potential risk to human
health might result from the emission of pollutants generated by the incineration process.
The principal gaseous products of waste incineration are carbon dioxide and waste vapor.
Incinerators emit a wide range of pollutants in their stack gases, ashes and other residues.
The filters used to clean incinerator stack gases produce solid and liquid toxic wastes.
The waste management strategies that can be used:






Maintaining the optimal conditions in acombustion chamber by providing
adequate turbulence and residence time of the combustion gases,
maximize the destruction of products of incomplete combustion
minimize the vaporization and entrainment of heaby metals.
Control emmisions from waste-incineration facilities by using air-pollution
control devices(electrostatic precipitators, spray-dryer absorbers, fabric filters or
wet scrubbers)
Reduction of the quantity of toxic elements in the waste stream
Maximizing the recycling of materials,reduce solid waste disposal by incineration
and landfilling
Source:
http://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&id=35iSf6UTwfQC&dq=incineration&printsec=fro
ntcover&source=web&ots=fhRI4U2dO9&sig=75mp_sMsWcuLhBMxXeS3amSRqpM#
PPA32,M1
1
Noise Pollution
Reported by
Jeremy Charbonneau
Ryan Daneluzzi
Rob Plumridge
TOPICS COVERED
 Definition
 Sources of Noise Pollution
 Health and Safety Standards
 Measuring Noise Pollution
 Modeling Noise Pollution
 Noise Abatement Procedures
 Public Awareness
NOISE POLLUTION - “…is displeasing human or machine created sound that disrupts
the activity or happiness of human or animal life.” - Wikipedia.org
SOURCES OF NOISE POLLUTION
 Traffic
o Air
o Road
o Rail
 Construction
 Industrial
 Recreational Facilities
o Sports Events
o Concerts
Traffic - Air
 Causes
 Arrivals and Departures
 Seasonal Flight Paths
 Poor City Planning
Traffic - Road
 Causes
 Idling Engines
 Heavy Trucks
 Pot Holes and Road Conditions
 Rumble Strips
2
Traffic - Rail
 Effects Are Often Ignored
 Causes
 Welded Joints
 Loose Rail Ties
 Engine Size
 Number of Cars
 Frequency
Construction
 Heavy Equipment
 Pneumatic Tools
 Warning Sounds
 Demolition
 Increased Traffic
(delays/deliveries)
Industrial
 Smokestack Emissions
 Impulsive Noise Sources (Presses)
 Tonal Noise Sources (Fans)
 Inter-plant Traffic
 General Mechanical Noise
Recreational Facilities
 Increased Traffic
 General Crowd Noise
 Loud Speakers
 F-15 Fly-By’s
HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS
 Ontario Health and Safety Act & Regulations
 Provincial Law
 ISO Standards
 European Standards
Ontario Health and Safety Act & Regulations
 Regulations protect workers from any harm
 No worker can be exposed to noise levels exceeding 87 dB for longer than 8
hours without proper hearing protection
Provincial Law
 Acceptable noise levels stated for different areas and times of day
 Class 1 – Industrial Sectors
3


Class 2 – Urban Areas
Sound Level Limits for Stationary Sources In Class 1 & 2 Areas (Urban),
Publication
NPC-205, October 1995, Ontario Ministry of the Environment
ISO Standards
 ISO 1996 – “Acoustics – Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise”
 Describes Basic Quantities and procedures
 Applications to noise limits
 A central standard within environmental noise assessment
 (Environmental Solutions, Bruel & Kjaer Product Catalogue, www.bksv.com)
European Standards
 10 years ahead of Canadian standards
 Serve as a benchmark system for all other areas
 All member states’ cities that have over 250,000 inhabitants must submit
environmental noise maps to the central EU government
 Cities must also draw up an action plan to mitigate the problematic areas
MEASUREMENTS
 Field measurements are taken in order to quantify real world noise levels
 This information is then used to calibrate noise models
 Information is also used for certifications (e.g. C of A)
Noise Modeling
 Using powerful calculation software, noise intensity contours can be determined
 This information is used to provide a visual representation of problematic areas
Noise Abatement
 There are several options for noise mitigation:
 Barriers
 Burms
 Building Improvements
 Material Selections
 Green Spaces
 Lower Traffic Speeds
Public Awareness
 Noise maps are shared with the public for awareness
 Constant consultation with the public in order to collect publicfeedback
 Noise is considered the ‘forgotten pollutant’
Sound Level Meter Demonstration
4
Vehicular Emission: Trend and Regulations
Reported by Tumo Moamogwe
The transportation sector (excluding pipelines) represents one of the largest sources of
emissions in Canada,

accounting for 24.1% of Canada's total emissions in 2003.

increased by 26% between 1990 and 2003 in emissions.
On-road transportation was the largest contributor to emissions at 78.3%. Nearly all
emissions growth can be attributed to

light-duty gasoline trucks

heavy-duty diesel
Canada's GHG Emissions from Transportation Sources in 2003
http://www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/ghg/inventory_report/2003_factsheet/images/figure3_l_e.gif
5
Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution levels in Asia. While leaded
fuel has been phased out in almost all countries in the region, some pollutants still exceed
WHO guidelines by a wide margin in many Asian cities.
World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines
Compound
Guideline
Exposure
100mg/m3 (90 ppm)
15 min
60mg/m3 (50 ppm)
30 min
30mg/m3 (25 ppm)
1 hr
10mg/m3 (10 ppm)
8 hrs
Lead
0.5 to 1 mg/m3
annual
Nitrogen dioxide
200µg/m3 (.11 ppm)
1 hr
40-50µg/m3 (.021-.026 ppm) annual
Ozone
120µg/m3 (.06 ppm)
8 hrs
PM10
no evident threshold
US: 50µg/m3 (25 ppm)
EU: 20-40µg/m3 (10 ppm)
annual
Sulfur dioxide
500µg/m3 (.175 ppm)
125µg/m3 (.044 ppm)
24 hrs
Carbon monoxide
Source: http://www.adb.org/Vehicle-Emissions/General/health-1.asp
Key policy guidelines for reducing vehicle emissions in Asia include.

Reducing Vehicle Emissions

Cleaner Fuels -Cleaner fuels are a critical component of any clean air strategy

Cleaner Two and Three Wheelers-Asia has the highest concentration of
motorcycles and three-wheelers. In many Asian cities, these vehicles account for
50% to 90% of total vehicles

Vehicle Emissions Standards and Inspection and Maintenance

Transport Planning and Traffic Management for Better Air Quality
Several Asian countries manufacture vehicles, and the number of units produced is
growing by 10-15% per year. The growth rate of motorization: the number of vehicles
6
and vehicle-km per head of population is also increasing in Asia. And the high proportion
of 2 and 3 wheeled motor vehicles with 2 stroke engines is more of a problem.
Impact of vehicle emissions
Vehicles emit large quantities of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and
other toxic substances such as fine particles and lead.

The fine particles associated with vehicle emissions causes respirator problems.
Other emissions, like lead and benzene may cause cancer.

Vehicle emissions tend to be geographically concentrated and are difficult to
disperse. Many people live and work close to traffic. As the quantity of vehicle
emissions increases, the quality of air deteriorates.

Carbon emissions pose an increasing threat of climatic change. The Global
Environment Facility estimates that transport now contributes 15% of all carbon
emissions. It is estimated that transport might be responsible for as much as 50%
carbon emissions in the next 10 years.

Emissions also harm plants, soil, and water, which affect the ecological balance of
our planet.
Several factors affecting the level of emissions from vehicles, including

type and quality of fuels that are used

emission control technologies installed during production

vehicle maintenance practices

age and rate of turnover of the vehicle fleet
While some countries have already taken steps to reduce the level of vehicle emissions,
less attention has been paid to local area transport planning as a means of reducing
vehicle use, such as

promotion of the use of demand management techniques such as taxation or road
pricing

traffic management

use of public transport and non-motorized modes of transport
7
RETA 5937: Action Plans for Reducing Vehicle Emissions
Regional Technical Assistance, RETA 5937 provide a forum for countries to share
experiences and strategies in reducing vehicle emissions
The Fuel Quality and Alternative Fuels was the first Regional Workshop organized under
RETA 5937 held at the Habitat Centre in New Delhi, India in 2001. About 120
participants attended this event, representing

government

the vehicle and oil industry

research organizations

the NGO community

transport associations

multilateral institutions
The workshop succeeded, through plenary sessions and working group discussions, in
bringing fuel issues to the forefront of emissions control strategies. China, India,
Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan shared their unique country experiences
regarding fuel quality. A panel of experts from the US, Europe and Asia delivered
presentations on alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technology.
Motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles are popular forms of transportation in Asia.
They account for 50-90% of the total vehicles. They must therefore, be given first priority
to pollution control strategies if Asian cities are to achieve clean, healthy air.
Reduction of Emissions from 2-3 Wheelers was the second regional workshop organized
under RETA 5937. It was held at Hanoi, Viet Nam in 2001.
1.
http://www.adb.org/documents/guidelines/Vehicle_Emissions/appendix.asp
2.
http://www.adb.org/Vehicle-Emissions/General/health-1.asp
http://www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/ghg/inventory_report/2003_factsheet/2003Factsheet_e.cfm#s3_2
8
Diesel and Gasoline
Reported by Monica Feghali
The environment today is at a crucial point, many problems are arising and endangering
our well being. One of the biggest problems is pollution; it is causing the formation of
many diseases that are unnecessary. One main cause of this pollution is transportation
which forms the largest source of greenhouse gas emission in the world. 30% of the
green house emissions that humans release into the atmosphere are related to
transportation.
Gas is made from fossil fuels. Cars use gas for power by a process called internal
combustion. This combustion generates power but releases pollutants.
And these emissions
from motor vehicles constitute a significant source of air pollution
which is becoming an area of growing concern from the air quality perspective.
Many fuels are used today for motor vehicles, I will only specify two types of fuel :
diesel and gasoline.
GASOLINE
Gasoline powered vehicles contribute to the release of green houses gases into the
atmosphere and by consequence contribute to global warming.
Gasoline vehicle is the most economically viable and most available option therefore it is
the most commonly used vehicle in the world
Gasoline is a liquid. It is formed purely of carbon and hydrogen. Gasoline is made up of
carbon chains of different lengths ranging from C7H16 through C11H24
Automobile exhaust, due to the incomplete combustion of diesel, contains more than
carbon dioxide and water. The most important pollutants that results in gasoline
emissions include the following

Carbon monoxide CO :
It is formed because not enough oxygen is available fast enough to react completely
with all of the carbon available.

Nitrogen oxides
9
Because of the pressure and temperature inside a cylinder, nitrogen and oxygen in
the air combine in various ways.

Unburned hydrocarbons –
not all of the hydrocarbons participate in the reaction because there is so little time
available during the combustion phase

There can also be some impurities like sulfur in the gas that form sulfur oxides.
The effects of these pollutants can be observed in the form of smog and ozone.
Nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons mix with air. Nitrogen dioxide releases an oxygen
atom, which combines with oxygen gas to form (ozone) O3.
Gasoline contains MTBE which is a known cancer causing agent and can cause birth
defects if a pregnant mother is exposed to it
DIESEL
The use of diesel as an automotive fuel as increases significantly. The reason for that
increase is due to diesel’s higher energy content and because its combustion is more
efficient. Diesel allows the car to travel 30% more than the distance traveled using
gasoline on one gallon. Diesel engines are used in light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles
Diesel has positive sided since it releases less carbon dioxide which is responsible for
global warming.
Good diesel performance may mean better fuel economy and less carbon dioxide, but
carbon dioxide is not the only pollutant exhausted form diesel emission.
When diesel fuel burns in an engine, the exhaust resulting is consisted of gases
representing many different chemical substances.
90% of these gases have very small diameter particles that can be inhaled and deposited
in the lungs.
Diesel exhaust contains 20to100 times more particles than gasoline exhaust. These
particles carry absorbed cancer causing substances known as polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH)’s.
The amount and composition of diesel emissions depend on the type of the engine, the
type of the fuel, fuel system, engine speed and engine loading.
Some of the many substances that are emitted from diesel combustion are:

nitrous oxide
10







nitrogen dioxide
formaldehyde
benzene
sulfur dioxide
hydrogen sulfide
carbon dioxide
carbon monoxide.
The gases in diesel exhaust can create health problems
The emissions of most interest in relation to diesel vehicles are oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
and fine particles.
NOx is a precursor to the formation of smog.
On the other hand NOx reacts with other pollutants to form particles. Fine particles have
been identified as a major health risk. The smaller the particle the greater the risk.
Comparison between diesel and Gasoline exhaust
Today's diesels are a lot dirtier than the average gasoline car. They're also pricier
In comparison to gasoline engines, diesel engines produce more carbon particles;
Diesel engines produce two to 40 times more particulate emissions and 20-30 times more
nitroarenes than gasoline engines with a catalytic converter in the exhaust system when
the engines have similar power output.
The graphs below illustrate the different percentage of gas emission for both diesel and
gasoline motors.
11
References :
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/pdfs/deer_2005/session2/2005_deer_mcd
onald.pdf
http://mainegov-images.informe.org/dep/air/lev4me/images/sources-barchart.gif
http://www.missmaggie.org/mission2_parts/eng/teaching/problemwithcars.html
http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/catalyst/sp04-catalyst-diesel-or-gasoline-fuel-forthought.html
http://www.inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol46/46-01.html
www.oehc.ca/Gas%20&%20Diesel%20Exhaust.doc
12
Air Pollution Health Effects
Reported by Dave Knapek
The effects of air pollution have become an increasingly more important matter in the last
decade or two. With the rise of population comes the price of increased amounts of
pollution that we put into the atmosphere on daily basis. Nearly all industrial processes
today will generate some sort of emissions and air pollutants.
What is Air Pollution
An air pollutant can be considered any type of chemical that contributes to the
degradation of our air quality. Air pollutants are highly undesirable because they affect
not only human health, but the environment as well.
What are the types of Pollutants
Not all types of air pollutants are the same, so classification of them is an important
method of localizing what type of pollutants are to be dealt with and how. Four general
categories are: Criteria Air Contaminants, Persistent Organic Pollutants, Heavy Metals,
and Toxins.
CAC's contribute to smog and acid rain which are two serious environmental problems.
Heavy metals can be poisonous to our health even in small concentrations. POP's refer to
those pollutants that last a substantial amount of time in the environment and are capable
of affect a large air-space. These are problematic because they can accumulate in the
body over time causing serious adverse health effects. Toxics generally refers to any
chemicals that are poisonous or toxic to our health, or the environment.
What are the Effects on Health
There are many types of effects on health and many different levels of severity.
Breathing in pollutants can cause serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems by
damaging the lungs, or because the toxins are absorbed into the bloodstream and
distributed to all our vital organs, including our heart. The effects of pollution can be
acute, chronic or simply nothing at all. Examples of chronic effects would be lung cancer
from smoking, or inhalation of radon through basements in your house. A rapid or acute
effect would be a potential fatality from inhalation of carbon monoxide which is very
hazardous to our health.
How are we Exposed?
These health effects might not be very common, but they aren't exactly uncommon either.
Health effects are not just a concern when on the outside, but also in the household.
Although people tend to think that pollution is mainly on the outside world, we spend alot
of our time indoors where there is potentially more pollution than the outdoors. Aerosols
used inside the house produces a certain amount of particulates and other pollutants that
we inhale through our circulation systems. Radon, a cancer causing gas that seeps out of
soils and into the basement may very well be circulated through your home.
13
Depending where you work may have a serious impact on your health. If you work with
a variety of chemicals, you may be exposed to these chemicals through inhalation,
ingestion, or even adsorption through the skin. Our bodies are composed of a whole
string of elemental agents that may react with these chemicals if exposed. The effects
can be very little to fatal.
What Can Be Done to Minimize Exposure?
When engaging in activities with polluting agents, it is very important to take all the
necessary safety precautions. In the home, a good ventilation system and air purifier can
help keep quality breathing air. Reducing the environmental emissions at the source will
help minimize our daily exposure and help maximize our lifespan.
Reference Sources:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/air/out-ext/effe/health_effects-effets_sante_e.html
http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/default.asp?lang=En&n=7C43740B-1
http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/default.asp?lang=En&n=BCC0B44A-1
Classnotes Chapter 1
14
GIS, Air Quality and Exposure Assessments
Reported by Genell Tonge
More than just pretty maps
Geographical Information Systems
 Computer based tools for mapping and analyzing features and events on earth.
 This comes back to the nature of geography— explaining phenomena due to their
location: everything has a spatial context.
Three key requirements
1. Computer system- software
 GIS work is done on the computer it involves using a program: eg.
ArcView, Idrisi
2. Spatially referenced or geographical data
 Point being able to pinpoint where things are in space and relative to
one another
3. Includes management and analysis techniques
 Hense the beyond a pretty map
(Whereas the first two points relate to having a map on the computer, the last point is
what drives home that GIS is more powerful than that—and can be an important tool in
many disciplines)
Examples of questions GIS can answer:
Where is the optimal location to put something? (Waste management facility, nuclear
power plant)
Where is a house that meets all of my requirements located?
More than just pretty maps (2)
How do these programs represent reality?
x-y coordinates versus information stored over entire area.
Storage space needed for all the information.
Are they flexible to changes in resolution?
More than just pretty maps (3)
Only one entity type per layer
Points (mailboxes)
Lines (rivers, roads)
Areas (Fields, buildings, administrative areas)
Exposure Assessment
The exposure assessment process is composed of many steps. The ones pertinent to GIS
modeling are defining the study population, identifying the source and potential routes of
exposure, estimating the environmental levels of contaminants and determining
individual exposures. In order to determine potential routes of exposure, GIS systems are
coupled with dispersion models or other software that were developed to be used as
forecasters. The main strength GIS has in this area is that it limits the need for expensive
samples to be run in various locations in order to determine individual exposures. These
can be interpolated from the information that has already been identified.
15
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Reported by Amanda Webster
Introduction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked indoor air pollution as one
of the top five environmental concerns to public health1. This is becoming a large and
costly issue due to increased medical costs, attempts of reducing contaminant
concentrations via air quality control devices, increased sicknesses (therefore, missed
work days), and decreased productivity.
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
First of all, indoor air pollution is a rising issue because many people are realizing
that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors.2 While indoors, individuals are
subjected to numerous pollutants ventilated in from outside, but more specifically, they
are habitually created inside. Indoor contaminants originate from various sources such as
paints, clothes, perfume, burning candles, pets, mold, humidifiers, particle board,
hardwood floors, carpets, cleaners, tobacco smoke, and many more (page 652). 3 Each
of these pollution sources normally emit one or more chemicals in the process ranging
from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, radon, nitrous oxides, volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), to formaldehyde, hexane, and methanol, etc.
VOCs are emitted, as gases, from many common substances found in the
household such as paints, polishes, sprays, cleaning solvents, tobacco smoke, etc. These
concentrations are normally ten times higher than outdoor levels.
Inorganic gases, or combustion products, normally form two main pollutants:
carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides (page 654). 3 Carbon monoxide enthusiastically
displaces oxygen absorbed in hemoglobin, so the host essentially begins to suffocate
when exposed to high concentrations over a period of time. The initial effects are
decreased visual and mental awareness, disorientation, nausea, and reduced reflexes
(page 654).3
Radon - producing radioactive decay byproduct of polonium, lead, and bismuth is one of the most serious hazards for poor indoor air quality because it can emit alpha
particles and ultimately sticks to lungs (page 655).3 Radon is mostly found from rock
formations and soils under buildings or homes; its major health effect is lung cancer.
Biological Contaminants, for instance molds, mildew, viruses, bacteria, and
allergens, are lumped into two categories based on their source: mold colonies caused
from moisture, and natural materials produced from plant pollen, animal dander, and tiny
insect feces (page 656).3
1
http://www.cleanstream.com/press_fact_health.html, Mar. 21st, 2008
http://www.epa.gov/, Mar. 21st, 2008
3
Air Pollution Control
2
16
Health Issues related to Indoor Air Pollution
A number of health concerns have been linked to poor indoor air quality
including, but not limited to, allergies, respiratory diseases (ie asthma, bronchitis, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease), neurological impacts (due to exposure from substances
such as mercury, lead, and aluminum), and cardiovascular disease.
Allergic reactions can be enhanced from exposure to constant poor air quality,
resulting in increased sensitivity. This hypothesis was confirmed when signs of increased
allergic reaction appeared once individuals that experienced allergies interacted with
ground level ozone.4
Consequently, some air purifiers release ozone under the
impression that that “ozone will render almost every chemical contaminant harmless by
producing a chemical reaction whose only by-products are carbon dioxide, oxygen and
water”.5 Not only has this theory been proven false, but it also raises other adverse health
effects because ozone can cause cold-like symptoms, irritation of lung tissues, shortness
of breath, declined lung capabilities, and chest pains.
Respiratory disease is inspired by air pollutants thwarting the lungs from being
able to transport oxygen to the body. This can also lead to long term health effects like
asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.4
Biological accumulation is the most dangerous form of neurological impacts
because it can initiate at any point in the food chain prior to human consumption. Heavy
metals travel through the air until they land on bodies of water or the ground. Once this
occurs, it’s only a matter of time until it is absorbed or consumed by species stationed at
the bottom of the food chain. Each time it passes through the food chain, the
concentrations increase until it reaches humans (species on the next level of the food
chain eat more of the previous species in order to attain enough energy for survival). 4
Therefore, concentrations are highest at the tops of the food chains.
Cardiovascular diseases can transpire from inhaling airborne contaminants, which
are absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, impurities liberally journey
throughout the body (including the heart and cardiovascular system) starting chemical
reactions. The cardiovascular system delivers nutrients, hormones, respiratory gases like
oxygen, removes foreign matter and waste, and is responsible for sustaining the correct
pH, body temperature, and functionality of organs.4
Types of Air Purifiers on the Market
There are several types of air purifiers but this presentation will focus on the four
major ones which are; carbon, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), ozone, and ESP
(electrostatic precipitator) or electrostatic air purifiers. Each air purifier varies in
efficiency and focus, so combining two together in order to purge the most contaminants
is normally desirable.
Carbon air filters use activated charcoal containing tiny pores to adsorb
chemicals, cigarette smoke odours, some allergens, and bacteria from the air.6 These
filters are best combined with ESPs or HEPA air cleaners for maximum results. One of
the disadvantages of a carbon air filter is that once the filter becomes saturated with
toxins, it needs to be changed which, can become costly.
4
http://www.ec.gc.ca/, Mar, 21st, 2008
5
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html, Mar, 21st, 2008
6
http://www.allergyescape.com/air-purifiers.html, Mar. 26th, 2008
17
HEPA air cleaners utilize a cloth type filter that can trap particles as small as 0.3
microns, or larger, with 99.9% efficiency.6 Thus far, these air purifiers are near the top at
capturing particles, and are one of the leaders in detaining the smallest sized particles.
However, some disadvantages are that it does not eliminate odours, cigarette smoke,
chemicals or gases, filters need to eventually be replaced, and they are louder than their
competitors.6
Ozone reacts with chemicals, bacteria, cigarette smoke, and odours by oxidizing
and neutralizing them.6 However, when ozone reacts with these pollutants, it breaks
them down into other chemicals that are also hazardous to inhale.6 It is advised to keep
ozone generators on low while people are in the room, and high only if nobody is in the
room, then ventilate it out well afterwards to allow ozone evacuation. Therefore, it is
highly effective in combating odours, but not very successful with allergens or many
chemicals.6
ESP, or ionic air, filters function by charging particles that pass through the
system and attracting them to the oppositely charged plates inside the purifier (page
147).7 This means that it does not require replacement filters; it just needs to be cleaned
when it is saturated with particulates.6 They can also remove very small particles (as
small as 0.1 microns) even if they are across the room.6 The drawbacks are that it does
not kill germs in the home, only removes them from the air, and it has no effect on
odours.6
Methods of Improving Indoor Air Quality
 Maintain a smoke free environment in the home
 Optimize ventilation sources (heating, humidity, air exchange, etc)
 Investing in an electronic air purifier
 Ensure all combustible appliances are inspected at least one a year
 Use naturally-made household cleaning products
 guarantee areas where there is water damage are correctly cleaned and dried out
to prevent mold
 Follow instructions closely when using manufactured cleaning chemicals
 Having and maintaining specific health plants
7
Air Pollution Control
18
Biofilteration
Reported by Frank Mazza
Main Description – The process of biofiltration is described as a medium of
organic matter whose purpose is to remove the pollutant of interest in a system.
Biofiltration has evolved since 1923 when Germany first adopted the technology.
Only today is this concept of using an organic media to filter airborne pollutants
being seriously adopted into our own society. Keep in mind that biofilters can also
be designed to remove pollutants from a soil media as well.
North America may not have looked firmly into the large industrial size
biofiltration systems, but there are groups who are using the concept to our
advantage. Naturaire, a fairly new company is behind the design and
implementation of a system called living walls. www.naturaire.com
Living walls takes advantage of a synthetic vertical soil design and imposes plants
within the media. After this, the main job of this wall is to become a breathing
media where air will be drawn through it. Any contaminant in the air will be
broken down by the microbial system, if possible. Naturaire is also behind soil
biofiltration.
Sources used:
- www.naturaire.com
- http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/BiotechEnviron/MISC/biofilt/biofiltration.htm
- http://www.bohnbiofilter.com/html/what_is_biofiltration_.html
- http://dcnonl.com/article/id25130
19
Green House Gas Effect and Climate Change
Reported by Van Nguyen
What is Climate Change? The changes in the atmosphere. Previously it was
thought as natural process now we learned that it is a result of human behaviour.
The greenhouse effect is very important when we talk about climate change as it
relates to the gases which keep the Earth warm. It is the gases which humans have
released which are thought to pose the strongest threat.
Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by the surface of
the Earth, some of this solar radiation being reflected by the atmosphere back into
space.
 However man made gas or greenhouse gases trap this reflected radiation. Lead
to warmer temperatures - causes the average Earth surface temperature to rise
resulting in climate change
Man-made greenhouse gases are from the burning of fossil fuels, such as
petroleum derived products and coal. Type of gases release: carbon dioxide,
nitrous oxide, and methane, water vapors
 From all the countries Emerging Asia produces the most greenhouse gases,
follow by North America and Western Europe. Most is United State and China.
This causes approximately 150 mm of water level rise. Estimate to be an
exponential increase in the future that is maximum 500 mm by 2010.
The predicted temperature rise by 2100 is between 1.8 and 4.0｡C. This has
detremental effect to the enviroment including animal extinction and migrations.
More storms, loss of wetlands and more illness prone.
To help, we should do what we can to reduce the electric uses in our homes.
Also find alternative transportaion inculing carpool or ride a bike perhaps.
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