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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Trends of monitored PM-2.5 levels in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Conference ·
OSTI ID:20002065

With the advent of new National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for particles of aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM-2.5), ambient monitoring of PM-2.5 has been designated as an initial step in implementing this new standard. The Linn County Health Department (LCHD) initiated a PM-2.5 ambient monitoring site in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in November 1996. The monitor is a TEOM continuous monitoring system and was the first continuous PM-2.5 monitoring site located in EPA Region VII. Having completed the second year of monitoring, a significant history of monitored PM-2.5 levels now exist. This paper provides a summary of monitored concentrations recorded for the past two years, interpretation of monitored values, comparison with particles of aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micrometers (PM-10) monitoring levels collocated at this site, and evaluation of the impact of the new standard on state implementation planning. Of interest to the reader will be the close correlation between PM-10 and PM-2.5, the persistent diurnal and seasonal fluctuations, weekend versus weekday variance, and comparison of monitored levels and peak occurrence with PM-2.5 levels monitored in other states.

OSTI ID:
20002065
Report Number(s):
CONF-990608--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English