EPA Awards $22 Million for Fine Particle Research

April 5, 2000
EPA has awarded $22.55 million in federal grants to seven university research centers for intensive studies of the components and sources and tiny particles, such as dust and soot, that pollute the air.

These projects are being coordinated with other research activities currently underway and planned to study the health effects associated with exposure to these pollutants.

"EPA relies on the best and latest science to protect public health and the environment," said EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner. "These grants will help research centers provide valuable information about the pollutants that create soot so that we can fully protect public health."

The seven grant recipients are University of California, Washington University, University of Texas, UCCSN/Desert Research Institute, State University of New York, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Maryland.

According to EPA, this grant program is part of the "Supersites" monitoring program. These new monitoring sites will generate more useful information than current monitoring technology about air quality samples.

This improved data will help EPA and the research centers develop techniques for pinpointing the sources, formation and travel of fine particulate matter.

"The program also aims to identify the components of particulate pollution that are most important to health so that we can develop more cost effect control strategies and increase protection of public health," said EPA.

Fine particle pollution is primarily a by-product of combustion from sources such as power plants, industry boilers, incinerators and diesel-powered engines.

Fine particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and may cause a number of health problems, including increased respiratory disease, impaired lung function and premature death.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

April 25, 2025
Environmental audits should be a core part of your EHS program regardless of whether you choose to pursue ISO 14001 certification.
April 25, 2025
Streamline EHS inspections. Conduct, track, and manage inspections effortlessly with customizable checklists, real-time reporting, and actionable insights.
April 25, 2025
A winning business case is based on the ROI of the project. The essential first step is determining your EHS costs today.
April 25, 2025
The use of QR codes can greatly simplify observation, near miss, and incident reporting and improve the quantity and quality of data. The more safety information that is collected...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!