U.S. Department of EnergyOffice of Scientific and Technical Information
Analysis of particulate matter impacts for six power plants in Maryland
Abstract
This report provides a detailed look at the influence of the six highest emitting power plants in Maryland on air pollution and health within the state and elsewhere, based on a previously published regional analysis and previous national-scale modeling efforts. The focus is on fine particulate matter, since studies have shown that respiratory and cardiovascular health are likely to be affected by PM2.5 at current outdoor levels in Maryland. The study was requested by the Maryland Nurses Association. The models determined that the six power plants combined contribute approximately 0.2-1.0 {mu}g/m{sup 3} of annual average PM2.5 in Maryland, with the impact varying across the state based on proximity to the various plants. While this only represents a fraction of current outdoor concentrations, this increment may be significant in determining non-attainment status in some locations, and the public health impacts remain potentially important. Looking at each plant individually, the impacts typically exhibit spatial patterns in which the maximum concentration impact occurs in relatively close proximity to the power plant. Considering health outcomes based on current population estimates, the six power plants together have an annual impact in Maryland of approximately 100 premature deaths, 4,000 asthma attacks, and over 100,000 person-days withmore »
- Authors:
-
- Harvard School of Public Health (United States)
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Maryland Nurses Association, Baltimore, MD (United States)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 20813124
- Resource Type:
- Miscellaneous
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: IEACR LIB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT; 20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS; MARYLAND; USA; PARTICULATES; AIR POLLUTION; PARTICLE SIZE; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS; MORTALITY; RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES; COAL; FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS; SULFUR DIOXIDE; NITROGEN OXIDES; HEALTH HAZARDS; ASTHMA
Citation Formats
Levy, J, Winkler, M, and Winkler, C. Analysis of particulate matter impacts for six power plants in Maryland. United States: N. p., 2006.
Web.
Levy, J, Winkler, M, & Winkler, C. Analysis of particulate matter impacts for six power plants in Maryland. United States.
Levy, J, Winkler, M, and Winkler, C. 2006.
"Analysis of particulate matter impacts for six power plants in Maryland". United States.
@article{osti_20813124,
title = {Analysis of particulate matter impacts for six power plants in Maryland},
author = {Levy, J and Winkler, M and Winkler, C},
abstractNote = {This report provides a detailed look at the influence of the six highest emitting power plants in Maryland on air pollution and health within the state and elsewhere, based on a previously published regional analysis and previous national-scale modeling efforts. The focus is on fine particulate matter, since studies have shown that respiratory and cardiovascular health are likely to be affected by PM2.5 at current outdoor levels in Maryland. The study was requested by the Maryland Nurses Association. The models determined that the six power plants combined contribute approximately 0.2-1.0 {mu}g/m{sup 3} of annual average PM2.5 in Maryland, with the impact varying across the state based on proximity to the various plants. While this only represents a fraction of current outdoor concentrations, this increment may be significant in determining non-attainment status in some locations, and the public health impacts remain potentially important. Looking at each plant individually, the impacts typically exhibit spatial patterns in which the maximum concentration impact occurs in relatively close proximity to the power plant. Considering health outcomes based on current population estimates, the six power plants together have an annual impact in Maryland of approximately 100 premature deaths, 4,000 asthma attacks, and over 100,000 person-days with minor restrictions in activity, among other health outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of considering local, regional and national sources of PM2.5 when developing emission control strategies. 16 refs., 10 figs., 12 tabs.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/20813124},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {2006},
month = {2}
}