Other ground-site measurements are being taken in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Virginia. A first year pilot study was conducted last summer and research will continue through August 2000. DEP believes the research will be very beneficial to environmental planning. The information will also be used to assist health professionals to relate air pollution to ill health effects. Other symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest pains and nausea.
Fine particles are tiny drops of liquid, dust, metal or other materials that float in the air.
They come from coal-burning power plants, steel mills, mining operations, and municipal waste incinerators. Exposure to fine particles in the air has been linked with increased respiratory illness and decreased lung function. For more information on this research project, contact Ralph Scanlan of the Bureau of Air Quality at 717 787-9702.