Atmospheric dispersion, effect

Eye. Adverse effects may be produced by splashes of Hquids or soflds, and by materials dispersed in the atmosphere. The eye is particularly sensitive to peripheral sensory irritants in the atmosphere. Toxic effects that may be induced include transient acute inflammation, persistent damage, and, occasionally, sensitivity reactions. ToxicologicaHy significant amounts of material may be absorbed by the periocular blood vessels in cases of splash contamination of the eye with materials of high acute toxicity (58). 

Maximum Ground-Level Concentrations The effective height of an emission having been determined, the next step is to study its path downward by using the appropriate atmospheric-dispersion formula. Some of the more popular atmospheric-dispersion calculational procedures have been summarized by Buonicore and Theodore (op. cit.) and include ... 

Many sophisticated models and correlations have been developed for consequence analysis. Millions of dollars have been spent researching the effects of exposure to toxic materials on the health of animals the effects are extrapolated to predict effects on human health. A considerable empirical database exists on the effects of fires and explosions on structures and equipment. And large, sophisticated experiments are sometimes performed to validate computer algorithms for predicting the atmospheric dispersion of toxic materials. All of these resources can be used to help predict the consequences of accidents. But, you should only perform those consequence analysis steps needed to provide the information required for decision making. 

Because of extreme venting conditions assumed, effective stack heights and resultant plumes from both 3- and 5-minute discharge conditions attain heights beyond the micro-meteorological conditions assumed in accepted computation models. It is therefore highly probable there will be considerably further atmospheric dispersion and diffusion of the VCM than predicted in the results shown. That is, the ground level concentration can be expected to be considerably lower than the values shown in Table 6. 

Chapter 2 discussed the possible influence of atmospheric dispersion on vapor cloud explosion or flash fire effects. Factors such as flammable cloud size, homogeneity, and location are largely determined by the manner of flammable material released and turbulent dispersion into the atmosphere following release. Several models for calculating release and dispersion effects have been developed. Hanna and Drivas (1987) provide clear guidance on model selection for various accident scenarios. 

The effect of atmospheric dispersion on the structure of a vapor cloud may be summarized as follows. In general, the structure of a vapor cloud in the atmosphere... 

Zeeuwen et al. (1983) observed the atmospheric dispersion and combustion of large spills of propane (1000-4000 kg) in open and level terrain on the Musselbanks, located on the south bank of the Westerscheldt estuary in The Netherlands. Thermal radiation effects were not measured because the main objective of this experimental program was to investigate blast effects from vapor cloud explosions. 

Listing gaseous emissions, concentrations, smoke characteristics prevailing winds and exposed zones toxicity or nuisance potential effects of synergism or poor atmospheric dispersing conditions. Consent limits. 

If linear (dose) models without thresholds are to be used for carcinogen (or other) risk assessment, estimation of exposure at specified levels becomes irrelevant to risk assessment or, at least, its use is nonintuitive. For example, a carcinogen risk analysis may be based on a linear, nonthreshold health effects model. The total health risk would thus be proportional to the long-term exposure summed for all affected people for the identified period, and exposure of many people at low concentrations would be equivalent to exposure of a few to high concentrations. The atmospheric dispersion that reduces concentrations would also lead to exposure of more people therefore, increments... 

Wind vectors (speed and direction), and Dispersive effects (intensity of atmospheric turbulence). 

Figure 5-4 Effect of ground conditions on vertical wind gradient. Adapted from D. Bruce Turner, Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates, (Cincinnati US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1970), p. 2.

Evaluate the potential consequences associated with major and minor loss-of-containment events and other possible emergency situations involving the hazardous materials and energies ana take this information into account in the process of site selection and facility layout and the evaluation of the adequacy of personnel, public, and environmental protection (Source Models, Atmospheric Dispersion, Estimation of Damage Effects). 

Evaluate the risks associated with the process and its safety systems taken as a whole, including consideration of people, property, business, and the environment, that could be affected by loss events and determine whether the risks have been adequately reduced (Hazard Analysis, Risk Analysis, Source Models, Atmospheric Dispersion, Estimation of Damage Effects). 

Models to Allow for the Effects of Coastal Sites, Plume Rise, and Buildings on Dispersion of Radionuclides and Guidance on the Value of Deposition Velocity and Washout Coefficients, Fifth Report of a Working Group on Atmospheric Dispersion, National Radiological Protection Board, NRPB-R157, 1983. 

In another review, Hoffert discussed the social motivations for modeling air quality for predictive purposes and elucidated the components of a model. Meteorologic factors were summarized in terms of windfields and atmospheric stability as they are traditionally represented mathematically. The species-balance equation was discussed, and several solutions of the equation for constant-diffusion coefficient and concentrated sources were suggested. Gaussian plume and puff results were related to the problems of developing multiple-source urban-dispersion models. Numerical solutions and box models were then considered. The review concluded with a brief outline of the atmospheric chemical effects that influence the concentration of pollutants by transformation. 

A problem In the analysis of these data Is the potential masking of some sources of variability by other correlated variables which may be difficult to quantify. For example, the potential meteorological Influences of atmospheric dispersion and mixing, scavenging differences between warm and cold clouds, variable rates of oxidation of sulfur and nitrogen species, and the dilution effect of variable rain volume may mask source-receptor chemical relationships. A particular problem Is that meteorological data and source-receptor locations share directional dependence. 

Physical analysis of solid samples is incorporated into Level 1 because the size and shape of the particles have a major effect on their behavior in process streams, control equipment, atmospheric dispersion, and the respiratory system. In addition, some materials have characteristic physical forms which can aid in their identification. 

Occupational and toxicological studies have demonstrated adverse health effects from exposure to toxic contaminants. Emissions data from stationary and mobile sources are used in an atmospheric dispersion model to estimate outdoor concentrations of 148 toxic contaminants for each of the 60,803 census tracts in the contiguous United States for 1990. Approximately 10% of all census tracts had estimated concentrations of one or more carcinogenic HAPs at a greater than l-in-10,000 risk level. Twenty-two pollutants with chronic toxicity benchmark concentrations had modeled concentrations in excess of these benchmarks, and approximately 200 census tracts had a modeled concentration 100 times the benchmark for at least one of these pollutants. This comprehensive assessment of air toxics concentrations across the United States indicates hazardous air pollutants may pose a potential public health problem (Woodruff et al., 1998). 

Delmelle P., Stix J., Baxter P. J., Garcia-Alvarez J., and Barquero J. (2002) Atmospheric dispersion, environmental effects and potential health hazard associated with the low-altitude gas plume of Masaya volcano, Nicaragua. Bull. Volcanol. 64, 423-434. 

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