| Title | Agricultural burning monitored for air pollutants in Imperial County; exposure reduction recommendations developed |
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| Abstract | Air pollutants, notably particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), are emitted during agricultural burning. We studied a winter period in Imperial County when predominantly bermuda-grass stubble was burned. At four locations, PM2.5 levels were 23% higher from 4 p.m. on burn days to 8 a.m. the following morning than on days when there were no burns. On days when a burn was within 2 miles of a monitoring site, concentrations were 7 to 8 micrograms per cubic meter higher than on days when burns were farther away; measured levels lowered air quality, which potentially approached moderate. In monitoring five specific burns, we found that the levels of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 micrometers (PM10) were highly elevated and potentially hazardous directly downwind of one field. In addition, PM2.5 was composed primarily of carbon, and levels of naphthalene, a respiratory carcinogen, were elevated compared with upwind samples. In interviews, most community leaders, residents and farmers thought health educational efforts were needed. As a result, we developed fact sheets and have made recommendations for further actions to reduce people's exposure to smoke from agricultural burning. |
| Authors |
Harnly, Martha : M. Harnly is Research Scientist Supervisor, Environmental Health Investigations Branch (EHIB), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Richmond
Naik-Patel, Kinnery : K. Naik-Patel is Epidemiology Fellow, Environmental Health Investigations Branch (EHIB), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Richmond
Wall, Stephen : S. Wall is Chief, Outdoor Air Quality Section, Environmental Health Laboratory, CDPH, Richmond
Quintana, Penelope J. E. : P.J.E. Quintana is Associate Professor of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University
Pon, Diamon : D. Pon is a Research Scientist at the Environmental Health Laboratory, CDPH, Richmond
Wagner, Jeff : J. Wagner is a Research Scientist at the Environmental Health Laboratory, CDPH, Richmond.
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| Publication Date | Jul 1, 2012 |
| Date Added | Jul 16, 2012 |
| Copyright | © The Regents of the University of California |
| Copyright Year | 2012 |
| Description | Particulate matter levels may reach hazardous levels directly downwind of burns; targeted fact sheets and other recommendations aim to reduce people’s exposure. |
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