A first-approximation urban-air-quality indicator

Abstract

Development of the first-approximation-urban-air-quality indicator was reported by the Economic Council of Canada. The indicator takes account of ambient concentrations of five pollutants: sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and total oxidants. Epidemiological evidence indicating the potential impact of these pollutants on human health is also reported. Values of the indicator are calculated for the years 1971-74 for a number of Canadian cities: the overall trend appears to be toward cleaner air, though concentrations of oxidants and nitrogen oxides have increased.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the conference on metropolitan physical environment

Citation

Paproski, David M.; Walker, Julian R. 1977. A first-approximation urban-air-quality indicator. In: Heisler, Gordon M.; Herrington, Lee P., eds. Proceedings of the conference on metropolitan physical environment; Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-25. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 254-262