Proposed pollutant index to incorporate synergistic effects Online publication date: Wed, 13-Aug-2003
by Melissa Malakos, Kau-Fui V. Wong
International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP), Vol. 12, No. 1, 1999
Abstract: It is important to monitor daily outdoor pollution conditions in order to issue advisory notices for those of the population more susceptible to the effects of pollution. These conditions are currently conveyed to the public via a single number and descriptor, known as the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI). The objective of the present work is to improve on some of the shortcomings in the PSI. Given the constraints inherent in a single value representing the complex associations called air quality, the New Pollutant Index (NPI) has been introduced that is a more adaptable index than the current PSI. New standards can be incorporated easily, and synergistic effects can be accounted for and adjusted pending conclusive studies. The NPI needs to be tested in the long-term to verify that it is a reasonable reflection of the air quality for widespread areas. This can be done by comparing the air ratings given by the index with the documented complaints of respiratory and other ailments associated with the criteria pollutants.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook