A STUDY OF WINTER AIR POLLUTANTS AT FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

• Main Author: Harold J. Coutts
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Arctic; Fairbanks; Alaska
• Online Access: http://oaspub.epa.gov/eims/eimsapi.dispdetail?deid=51616

An air pollution monitoring program was initiated by the Arctic Environmental Research Station (AERS). Ambient monitoring was done throughout the winters of 76-77 and 77-78 at the Fairbanks Post Office and on the AERS roof. Indoor-outdoor monitoring was done at the new State Building during January 1979. Pollutants measured were nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, total suspended particulates, sulfate, nitrate, lead, and carbon monoxide. High values, compared to those measured in the contiguous states, were found for NO and Pb. The health effects of the measured levels of NO are not known, but Pb levels exceeded EPA standards. More monitoring for Pb is needed and, if the high concentrations are found to be area wide, then local authorities may want to consider restrictions on use of leaded gasoline during the winter months.