Research and Modeling

Both ozone and PM have known adverse health and environmental effects. The U.S. EPA and the ARB set limits (Federal/State standards) for ambient concentrations of these pollutants. Computer models are used to help the District meet and maintain these limits. In particular, models are applied to:

• Study past episodes to understand causes of formation of high ozone and PM concentrations in the Bay Area
• Assess effectiveness of current emissions control strategies
• Weigh alternative emissions control strategies for future planning and conduct cost-benefit analysis
• Study the impact of future changes (such as climate change) on ambient levels of these pollutants
• Conduct population exposure analysis for health impact studies
• Support smart growth

Current research activities include:

• Analyzing wintertime PM data and modeling PM levels in the Bay Area
• Assessing the effects of climate change on the Bay Area's future ozone attainment status
• Quantifying transport of ozone and PM and their precursors within the Bay Area as well as between the Bay Area and neighboring districts
• Estimating ambient levels of toxic compounds for exposure assessment
• Evaluating the effectiveness of proposed and adopted emission controls, and
• Assessing the public health impacts of ambient pollutants.