Objectives

The main objectives of the EPA funded ambient monitoring components of the Pittsburgh Supersite Program are:

• Characterization of the PM in the Pittsburgh region. These characteristics include the PM size, surface, and volume distribution; chemical composition as a function of size and on a single particle basis; temporal and spatial variability.
  
  
• Development and evaluation of current and next generation atmospheric aerosol monitoring techniques (single particle measurements, continuous measurements, ultrafine aerosol measurements, improved organic component characterization, and others).
  
  
• Quantification of the impact of the various sources (transportation, power plants, natural, etc.) to the PM concentrations in the area.

Combining the ambient monitoring study with the proposed indoor, health, and modeling studies (funded from other sources) will allow:

• Elucidation of the links between PM characteristics and their health impacts in this area.
  
  
• Quantification of the relationship between indoor and outdoor concentrations in the area.
  
  
• Quantification of the responses of the PM characteristics to changes in these emissions in support of the emission control decision making in the area (SIP development, etc.)