Controlling Industrial Particulate Emissions: A Practical Overview of Baghouse Technology (original) (raw)

Determination and implementation of optimal air quality standards

Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 1976

This paper utilizes two least-cost emission control strategies and develops rules for structuring and implementing optimal air quality standards. A strategy typical of those currently enforced, based on the State Implementation Plans (SIP's), is compared to two least-cost strategies: (i) ambient least cost (ALC), which achieves required air quality at least cost; and (ii) emissions least cost (ELC), which achieves required emissions reduction at least cost. A demonstration is given of the theoretically derived result that the ALC strategy should be utilized in cost-benefit analyses to determine air quality standards and to generate emissions taxes. Preliminary analysis of the St. Louis area indicated tentative justification for a particulate ambient standard at least as strict as the current Federal primary standard. The efficiency, equity, and administrative costs for implementation of strategies based on the least-cost concept are also examined, 1 This paper was presented at the ORSA/TIMS November 1975 meetings, and is based on work done while both authors were on the staff of the Office of Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency. This report has been reviewed by the EPA and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the EPA or the FEA. 2 Benefits to human health (i.e., pollution damages avoided) have been quantified by Lave and Seskin [15] and Ridker [20], materials by Salmon [22], vegetation by Lacasse, Weidensaul and Carroll [14], soiling by Michelson and Tourin [17] and Ridker [ZO], aesthetics by Ridker [20], and residential property by Ridker and Henning [21] and Anderson and Cracker [l]. A rrvicw of these and other r&ted estimates can be found in a survey by Waddell [30].

Setting ambient air quality standards for particulate matter

Toxicology, 2002

Ambient air particulate matter (PM), unspecified as to chemical composition, is of concern because of its health effects. Air quality standards for PM have been established in many countries. The earliest standards were based on threshold models and use of a margin of safety. Initially, standards were based on the mass of total suspended material. In the 1980s a shift to a size-specific standard, PM 10 , began. PM 10 is the fraction of PM captured with 50% efficiency at 10 mm and greater efficiency at smaller sizes. In the late 1990s, standards were proposed for PM 2.5 , which is captured with 50% efficiency at 2.5 mm. The standards for PM are based almost exclusively on human epidemiological data, with laboratory animal and in vitro data used in a supporting role. During the 1990s, new statistical tools began to be used and demonstrated an association between increased PM and an increase in cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. The analyses are complicated by the effects of other pollutants such as ozone. Effects have been observed down to 10 Á/ 20 mg of PM 10 per cubic meter, levels equal to or below background in many parts of the world. In many studies there has been no evidence of a threshold. In the absence of a threshold, a critical issue becomes how to determine how low is low enough? This paper reviews the current literature on PM health effects and suggests research avenues that may yield data which, combined with public policy considerations, may be able to address the issue of 'how low is low enough?'

Revising the particulate ambient air quality standard. Scientific and economic dilemmas

Environmental Science & Technology, 1994

~ ecent epidemiological studies indicate that increases in human mortality (1-9) and morbidity (10-23) have been associated with levels of particulate pollution significantly lower than those previously thought to affect human health. If the evidence withstands critical evaluation, we will probably need to revise downward the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM), even though the scientific basis for making the decision is weak. Tightening the standard will have significant economic conse-148 A Environ. s i . Technol., VoI. 28. No. 1994 quences for U.S. industry and will affect air pollution standards internationally. Scientific and economic dilemmas may turn out to be minefields, unless we think the problem through carefully.