Analysis of particulate matter impacts for six power plants in Maryland
Miscellaneous
·
OSTI ID:20813124
- Harvard School of Public Health (United States)
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.
- Research Organization:
- Maryland Nurses Association, Baltimore, MD (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 20813124
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Projected compliance with the PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Final report
Compilation of Published PM2.5 Emission Rates for Cooking, Candles and Incense for Use in Modeling of Exposures in Residences
Tackling the mortality from long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution in megacities: Lessons from the Greater Cairo case study
Technical Report
·
Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 UTC 1999
·
OSTI ID:350592
Compilation of Published PM2.5 Emission Rates for Cooking, Candles and Incense for Use in Modeling of Exposures in Residences
Technical Report
·
Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 UTC 2012
·
OSTI ID:1172959
Tackling the mortality from long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution in megacities: Lessons from the Greater Cairo case study
Journal Article
·
Mon Jan 15 04:00:00 UTC 2018
· Environmental Research
·
OSTI ID:23110600