Winter air quality in a wood-burning community: A case study in Waterbury, Vermont

摘要: Abstract The recent upsurge in residential wood combustion has raised questions about potential adverse effects on ambient air quality and public health. Before policymakers can make informed rational decisions the need for government intervention, more information is needed concerning nature extent of problem. This paper presents findings from 1982 Harvard Wood-Burning Study Waterbury, Vermont. a rural community 2000 people, was an ideal location this investigation because: (1) half private residences are heated with fuel; (2) frequent winter temperature inversions promote pollution buildup valley; (3) there no major industrial sources (4) Vermont Agency Environmental Conservation compiled detailed wood-burning inventory. monitoring study, January to March 1982, emphasized measurements total, inhalable respirable particulate matter. Results indicate that 60–70% Waterbury aerosol composed particles less than 2.5 μm. A combination indirect evidence suggests burning source airborne sections town. Dramatic diurnal variations concentrations were observed, peak values at night exceeding afternoon levels by 5- 10-fold. Both meteorology emission patterns contributed observed fluctuations.