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Air pollution levels within Lisbon city limits have been exceeding the limit values established in European Union and national legislation since 2001, with the most problematic cases related to the levels of fine particles (PM 10 ) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), mainly originated by road traffic. With the objective of answering this public health issue, an Air Quality Action Plan was developed in 2006 and the respective Enforcement Plan was published in 2009. From the overall strategy, one of the major measures presented in this strategy was the creation of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Lisbon, which has been operating since July 2011. Implemented at different stages it has progressively expanded its area, including more vehicle types and adopting more stringent requirements in terms of minimum emission standards (currently LEZ phase 2 with EURO 2 in the city center – zone 1 and EURO 1 in the rest of the LEZ area – zone 2). At the same time the road axis comprised of Marquês de Pombal square and Avenida da Liberdade was subjected to profound changes in its traffic circulation model, reducing road traffic volumes. The analysis of the air quality data before and after the LEZ phase 2 has shown positive evolution when comparing the period between 2011 (before measures) and 2013 (after measures). In 2013, there was a reduction in PM 10 annual average concentration of 23% and NO 2 annual average concentrations of 12%, compared with the year 2011. Although PM 10 reductions were more significant inside the LEZ area, the same was not valid for NO 2 , suggesting that the implementation of these measures was not as effective in reducing NO 2 levels as shown by results in other cities like Berlin and London. The results from road traffic characterization indicate a relevant effect on fleet renewal with an overall decrease in the relative weight of pre-EURO 2 vehicles in 2012/2013, compared with data from 2011. An important increase in the share of EURO 4 and EURO 5 vehicles was also observed. Our conclusions show that the level of ambition is relevant for the observed effects. Therefore, stricter restriction standards should be enforced in the future stages of the Lisbon LEZ in conjunction with a higher effort and investment on LEZ enforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effectiveness of national air pollution controls is important for control policy design to improve the future air quality in China. This study evaluated the effectiveness of major national control policies implemented recently in China through a modeling analysis. The sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) control policy during the 11th Five Year Plan period (2006–2010) had succeeded in reducing the national SO 2 emission in 2010 by 14% from its 2005 level, which correspondingly reduced ambient SO 2 and sulfate (SO 4 2– ) concentrations by 13%–15% and 8%–10% respectively over east China. The nitrogen oxides (NOx) control policy during the 12th Five Year Plan period (2011–2015) targets the reduction of the national NOx emission in 2015 by 10% on the basis of 2010. The simulation results suggest that such a reduction in NOx emission will reduce the ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), nitrate (NO 3 − ), 1-hr maxima ozone (O 3 ) concentrations and total nitrogen deposition by 8%, 3%–14%, 2% and 2%–4%, respectively over east China. The application of new emission standards for power plants will further reduce the NO 2 , NO 3 − 1-hr maxima O 3 concentrations and total nitrogen deposition by 2%–4%, 1%–6%, 0–2% and 1%–2%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the inter-provincial impacts of emission reduction in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Yangtze River Delta, which indicated the need to implement joint regional air pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reading the available evidence on the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), one gets the impression that some countries anticipate implementation problems by starting off pragmatically and with relatively low ambitions, while others make a quick and ambitious start and tend to slow down in later phases of the process. Inspired by Lundqvist's classical study of air pollution policy in the USA and Sweden, we assess the importance of some general characteristics of the respective political-institutional systems to explain differences in WFD implementation in four EU countries: Denmark, France, England/Wales and the Netherlands. We conclude, among other things, that visibility of the policy process, accountability of politicians and policy makersvis-à-vistheir stakeholders and the EU, division of responsibilities for policy formulation vs. implementation and the involvement of the public explain the level of ambition in EU implementation to a considerable extent. Thus, the Lundqvist variables turn out to be useful for both classifying and explaining differences in EU implementation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Assesses changes to the vehicle fleet and air quality in London’s low emission zone. [•] Additional 20% drop in pre Euro III rigid vehicles in London. [•] Additional 10% drop in pre Euro III LCVs in London when vans are included in 2012. [•] Small improvement in air quality compared to other areas since zone introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent years, heavy metal pollution accidents were reported frequently in China. The atmospheric heavy metal pollution is drawing all aspects of attention. This paper summarizes the recent research results from our studies and previous studies in recent years in China. The level, temporal variation, seasonal variation and size distribution of the heavy metals of atmospheric Lead(Pb), Vanadium(V), Manganese(Mn), Nickel(Ni), Chromium(Cr), Cadmium(Cd), Copper(Cu), Zinc(Zn) and Arsenic(As) were characterized in China. The emission characteristics and sources of atmospheric heavy metals and As in China were reviewed. Coal burning, iron and steel industry and vehicle emission are important sources in China. Control policies and effects in China were reviewed including emission standards, ambient air quality standards, phase out of leaded gasoline and so on, and further works for atmospheric heavy metals control were suggested. The comprehensive heavy metals pollution control measures and suggestions were put forward based on the summarization of the development and experience of the atmospheric heavy metal pollution control abroad. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Concentrations of 13 organic source markers (10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 3 hopanes) are reported from time-integrated samples (24-h and sub-daily) collected near a highway in Las Vegas, NV. Sample selection for assessing source impacts from the roadway was completed using the wind regression model Air Pollution Transport to Receptor model (EPA APTR 1.0). The model uses a kernel smoothing method for estimating source sectors (sector apportionment) of chemicals across wind speeds and wind directions. The model was applied using semi-continuous (5-min averaging time) pollutant data (black carbon (BC), CO, NO2, and NOx) and meteorological data. Using simple screening criteria to identify source impacts (>30% sector apportionment from the roadway and errors in the estimated sector apportionment <30%), sector apportionment results were consistent with organic source marker concentrations representative of motor vehicle exhaust (e.g., benzo(g,h,i)perylene and hopane). Results demonstrated the use of APTR to identify source-impacted time intervals when compared with filter samples analyzed for organic source markers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) and its protocols aim to tackle transboundary air pollution problems. LRTAP is the first binding international environmental regime and forerunner of other environmental regimes. It aims to solve regional air pollution problems through scientific collaboration and deliberation within the framework of détente and rising environmental movements. Started as a weak regime, LRTAP became a stronger regime with the addition of new protocols. At the beginning LRTAP focused on sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions and later incorporated volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, eutrophication and ground level ozone pollution into its agenda and contributed to substantial cuts in emissions. Having signed the LRTAP and its first protocol concerning the financing of EMEP, Turkey hasn't been a party to other protocols without binding itself for cuts in emissions. Although a legal and institutional framework for air pollution control was introduced, Turkey lacks a comprehensive monitoring system and suffers from rising air pollution levels. Turkey's efforts towards harmonising its environmental legislation as a part of its EU membership process do not produce tangible results given the problems of implementation and discrepancies between the limit values and long transition periods. Prevailing developmentalist discourse that prioritises economic development over environmental concerns contributes to postponement of sound pollution control efforts until Turkey becomes a full member. Yet again rising pollution levels reminds us that Turkey should take LRTAP and its protocols into account to solve those problems left unattended for quite some time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution has been a major topic of debate in highly developed areas over the last quarter century and therefore mitigation of poor air quality for health and environmental reasons has been a primary focus for local governments. Particulate matter, especially finer particles (PM2.5), is detrimental to human health, and urban expansion is thought to be a contributing factor to enhanced levels of PM2.5. However, there is limited research on the connection between land use and land cover change (LULC) and PM2.5 emissions. Using high resolution LANDSAT imagery from the past 12 years along with ground observations of PM2.5 mass concentrations in the Birmingham, AL region, we explore the links between the PM2.5 mass concentrations and LULC trends. Utilization of GIS allowed us to seamlessly analyze county-based patterns of LULC change and PM2.5 concentrations and display them in an easy to interpret manner. We found a moderate-to-strong correlation between PM2.5 observations and the urban area surrounding monitoring sites in 1998 and 2010. We also discuss factors such as local climate and topography and EPA imposed standards that can confound these comparisons. Finally, we determine the next steps that are required to fully quantify the cause and effect between LULC and air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regardless of their nature, the emissions of pollutants influence the environment and generate thermodynamic processes that lead to rebalancing and change of the original status of the environment. An eloquent Earth scale system example is the rising of green house gas concentration and it's consequences- the global warming. Ignoring these processes lead to the aggravation of the situation regarding the natural balance. The lack of legislative mesures, the lack of a good ecological education and awareness regarding the present situation, will lead to a continuous degradation of the environment. Studying the complex processes that lead to breaking the natural balance represents the starting point in limiting these processes and establishing good efficient plans for conservation and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Santiago was one of the first cities outside the OECD to implement a tradable permit program to control air pollution. This article looks closely at the program's performance over the past 10 years, stressing its similarities and discrepancies with trading programs implemented in developed countries and analyzing how it has reacted to regulatory adjustments and market shocks. Studying Santiago's experience allows us to say that a middle-income country such as Chile is capable of implementing this type of scheme even if much work remains before the design is really satisfactory. Considering the urgency of improving the environment in many of these countries, it is important to use the whole range of potential instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the extent to which air quality regulations improve public health—sometimes referred to as accountability—is part of an emerging effort to assess the effectiveness of environmental regulatory policies. Air quality has improved substantially in the United States and Western Europe in recent decades, with far less visible pollution and decreasing concentrations of several major pollutants. In large part, these gains were achieved through increasingly stringent air quality regulations. The costs associated with compliance and, importantly, the need to ensure that the regulations are achieving the intended public health benefits underscore the importance of accountability research. To date, accountability research has emphasized measuring the effects of actions already taken to improve air quality. Such research may also contribute to estimating the burden of disease that might be avoided in the future if certain actions are taken. The Health Effects Institute (HEI) currently funds eight ongoing studies on accountability, which cover near-term interventions to improve air quality including (1) a ban on the sale of coal, (2) replacing old wood stoves with cleaner ones, (3) decreasing sulfur content in fuel, (4) measures to reduce traffic, and (5) longer term, wide-ranging actions or events (such as complex changes associated with the reunification of Germany). HEI is also funding the development of methods and research to assess regulations that are implemented incrementally over extended periods of time, such as Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, which reduces sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants in the eastern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a study of the views of 1304 international travellers about their perception of air quality in Hong Kong. Findings indicated that the respondents generally did not perceive the air quality in Hong Kong as a concern when they chose to travel; they had a neutral view of this issue. However, after their visit they considered Hong Kong's air quality in both indoor and outdoor environments as worse than in their home countries. Many visitors were willing to pay an additional departure tax to fund improvements. The findings of this study have implications for decision-makers in formulating more sustainable planning policies to deal with this important environmental issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional authorities need tools to develop air quality plans, particularly when dealing with secondary pollutants, as ozone, characterized by complex and non-linear dynamics. This work presents a two objective problem considering both effectiveness and costs of alternative environmental policies. Problem solutions suggest action priorities to an environmental authority to improve air quality. To solve the multi-objective problem, an integrated modeling system has been designed and implemented. It includes (1) pollutant-precursor models identified by processing the simulations of a photochemical modeling system and (2) cost functions linking technology costs to emission reductions. The proposed methodology has been applied to a complex domain in Northern Italy, including Milan metropolitan area, a region characterized by high ozone levels in the summer season. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The environmental justice literature faces a number of conceptual and methodological shortcomings. The purpose of this paper is to probe ways in which these shortcomings can be remedied via recent developments in related literatures: population health and air pollution epidemiology. More sophisticated treatment of social structure, particularly if based on Pierre Bourdieu''s relational approach to forms of capital, can be combined with the methodological rigour and established biological pathways of air pollution epidemiology. The aim is to reformulate environmental justice research in order to make further meaningful contributions to the wider movement concerned with issues of social justice and equity in health research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The author identifies lessons about bridging the science-policy divide to be learned from two studies of attempts to encourage public participation in the process of local air-quality management in urban areas in England. These studies were concerned with exploring the potential for public engagement with technical environmental matters as a means of connecting scientific expertise with publicly accepted policymaking. The studies differed in that the first was primarily an attempt to use citizen forums as a form of extended peer review for official air-quality modelling and monitoring procedures; the second was an exploration of novel techniques for allowing local citizens to express their knowledge of local geographies of air pollution. The author compares the underlying conceptions of public consultation or participation and draws lessons about the most practicable and appropriate role for public participation in the business of bridging the science—policy divide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In China, 76% of all energy comes from coal consumption, which is the major cause of air pollution. One of the major barriers to developing sound policies for controlling air pollution is the lack of information related to the value of the health consequences of air pollution. We conducted a willingness-to-pay (WTP) study using contingent valuation (CV) methods in Chongqing, China to estimate the economic value of saving one statistical life through improving air quality. A sample of 500residents was chosen based on multistage sampling methods. A face-to-face household interview was conducted using a series of hypothetical, open-ended scenarios followed by bidding game questions designed to elicit the respondents'' WTP for air pollution reduction. The Two-Part Model was used for estimations. The results show that 96% of respondents were able to express their WTP. Their mean annual income is $490. Their WTP to save one statistical life is $34,458. Marginal increases for saving one statistical life is $240 with 1year age increase, $14,434 with 100yuan monthly income increase, and $1590 with 1year education increase. Unlike developed country, clean air may still be considered as a “luxury” good in China based on the estimation of income elasticity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An industrial district with polluting factories operating inside poses a potential threat to the air quality in the surrounding areas. Therefore, establishing a proper air quality monitoring network (AQMN) is essential for assessing the effectiveness of imposed pollution controls, strategies, and facilities in reducing pollutants. The geographic layout of such an AQMN should assure the quality of the monitored data. Monitoring stations located at inappropriate sites will likely affect data validity. In this study, a multiobjective approach was explored for configuring an AQMN for an industrial district. A dispersion model was employed to simulate hourly distribution of pollutant concentrations in the study area. Models optimizing pollution detection, dosage, coverage, and population protection were established. Alternative AQMNs with varied station numbers and spatial distributions were obtained using the models. The resulting AQMNs were compared and evaluated for effectiveness in monitoring the temporal and spatial variation of pollutants. Discussion of the differences among the AQMNs is provided. This multiobjective analysis is expected to facilitate a decision-making process for determining an appropriate AQMN. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During President Reagan's administration, environmental policy making was substantially shifted from the federal level to the state and local levels. We use techniques in Bai (1997a, 1997b) to determine change points in the trends of three important air pollution series. We find that the beneficial trends in the emission series began with federal legislation and were not due to the Reagan devolution. However, second-round change point tests indicate that the beneficial trends in the emissions series that began with federal legislation continued unabated following the Reagan devolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a general model that addresses the starting point bias in the dichotomous choice evaluation data by incorporating both the anchoring effect and yea-saying bias. The model is applied to a contingent valuation study that evaluated the health benefits of air quality improvement in three major metropolitan areas in Taiwan. The empirical evidence shows a strong anchoring effect but an insignificant yea-saying bias. The results show a serious understated willingness to pay if the biases in anchoring and yea-saying are not controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive decentralization and devolution efforts among industrialized nations throughout the 1980s and 1990s call for a closer look at the effect these trends have on public policy. This article investigates the impact of these trends on the environmental performance of industrialized countries. There are two competing hypotheses as to how federalism and other multilevel governance structures affect the environmental performance of countries. The first stresses that the resulting institutional fragmentation and regulatory unpredictability is detrimental to the protection of the environment. An alternative hypothesis emphasizes that multilevel systems fare better regarding environmental performance because they can effectively respond to local needs and encourage innovation at the sub-national level. Based on OECD air pollution data, the study finds that multilevel structures affect the way in which important determinants of environmental performance work. Thus, corporatist accommodation structures, which are known to enhance environmental policy, do so primarily in multi-tiered systems. A high level of economic development, on the other hand, which has also been shown to contribute to environmental performance, does so mainly in countries that are characterized by weak multilevel structures. The article discusses theoretical and practical implications of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on issues related to local policy measures to improve air quality in Queens, New York. Association of respiratory tract diseases with air pollution; Challenges faced by local governments in promulgating laws that address air pollution; Classification of air pollutants into three categories.

Presents a new air quality policy for environment protection. Relationship between air quality policy and emission control; Concept of environmental security; Emphasis on environmental policy in general and air quality policy.

The article reports on the effort of the U.S. and Australian governments to review their ozone standards. According to the author, Australia is reviewing its Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure (NEPMAAQ) while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also reviewing its National Ambient Air Quality Standards which involves ground level ozone limits. Based on the reviews, ground level ozone is pollutant in Australia's capital cities particularly in Sydney while EPA is proposing to decrease the ozone ambient standard.

The article presents developments related to the Queensland branch of the Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand. Kelsey Bawden, of Pacific Air and Environment presented a seminar on proposed changes to the National Pollutant Inventory. The topics of the seminar include revisions to the substance list, reporting thresholds and inclusion of greenhouse emissions. The planning for the 2007 International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA), which will be held in Brisbane, Queensland has taken up a lot of time for Branch Committee members.

The article reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) is proposing to decrease permissible levels of particulate matter (PM) in air, but not as much as suggested by its Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). Several studies have indicated that there is a relationship between fine particles, PM which is less than 2.5 microns in diameter, with a number of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, EPA has proposed the reduction of the daily PM2.5 standard by almost 50 percent. The agricultural and mining industries will be exempted from the rule. However, CASAC has suggested a lower annual PM2.5 standard and has not recommended any exemptions.

The article focuses on the requirement of a new performance standards to reduce emissions of air pollutants from the last remaining category of waste incinerators requiring Clean Air Act regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. The category is called other solid waste incinerators, which are very small municipal waste combustion units and institutional waste incineration units. Significantly the improvements will provide important improvements in protecting human health and the environment. The small municipal waste combustion units are incinerators that burn less than 35 tons per day of municipal solid waste. On the other hand, institutional waste incineration units are incinerators located at institutions that burn solid waste generate on site. Finally, the agency has issued regulations to control emissions from large municipal waste combustors.

Highlights the International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environment Protection Associations Congress in London, England, on August 1, 2004. Number of delegates; Discussions on political and societal issues about air quality; Need for collaboration between countries to improve and maintain air quality.

focuses on developments in environmental protection in New Zealand as of November 2004. Progress of the government's investigation into vehicle emissions standards; Development of a guideline for assessing air quality effects from roads; Ministry for the Environment's release of national environmental standards for key priority contaminants and prohibitive standards for certain activities; Decision of Meridian Energy to abandon the development of a hydropower scheme on the South Island's Waikati River.

Presents an editorial on an article in this issue about the importance of civic support for environmental protection. History of this publication which was born out of a need for information on environmental issues; Forecasting of the problems ahead in creation and enforcement of new standards in air and water pollution; Concern about the scarcity of action taken lately.