Saturday, May 15, 2010

Evaluation of EPA Air Monitoring

From the LEAN web site...
by Wilma Subra

Hydrogen Sulfide

Odor Threshold for Hydrogen Sulfide: 0.5 ppb
Physical Reaction Symptoms: 5 to 10 ppb

Acute Physical Health Symptoms:

Irritates eyes
Irritates nose, throat and lungs
Nausea, dizziness, confusion, headache

Venice Hydrogen Sulfide Air Monitoring Results for the period of April 28, 2010 - May 7, 2010
   
Date: Hydrogen Sulfide (parts per billion):
   
April 28 None Detected
April 29 No Data
April 30 No Data
May 1 No Data
May 2 30 ppb
May 3 1,192 ppb
May 4 46 ppb
May 5 1,010 ppb
May 6 1,000 ppb
May 7 280 ppb

The results of the Hydrogen Sulfide air monitoring in Venice indicates that the concentration from May 2 through May 7 exceeded the odor threshold and Physical Health Symptom concentrations. The Hydrogen Sulfide concentrations on May 3, 5 & 6 exceeded the Physical Reaction Symptoms concentrations by a factor of 100 to 120 times. The Physical Reaction Symptoms have been reported by individuals living and visiting in Venice.

Volatile Organic Chemicals

Louisiana Ambient Air Standards for Volatile Organic Chemicals:

The Louisiana Ambient Air Standards for the most toxic Volatile Organic Chemicals range from 0.25 ppb to 3.76 ppb Annual Average.
  • 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.25 ppb
  • Benzene 3.76 ppb
The Ambient Air Standards for the remaining Volatile Organic Chemicals range from 5.49 to 61.25 ppb Annual Average.
  • 1 and 2-nitropropane 5.49 ppb
  • Methylene Chloride 61.25 ppb
Acute Physical Health Symptoms:
Irritation of eyes, skin, skin rashes
Irritate nose, throat and lungs
Headaches
Dizziness, light headed
Weakness
Nausea
Confusion

Venice Volatile Organic Chemicals Air Monitoring Results for the period of April 28, 2010 - May 7, 2010
   
Date: Volatile Organic Chemicals (parts per billion):
   
April 28 None Detected
April 29 None Detected
April 30 3,084 ppb
May 1 923 ppb
May 2 3,416 ppb
May 3 780 ppb
May 4 1,243 ppb
May 5 37 ppb
May 6 483 ppb
May 7 None Detected

The results of the Volatile Organic Chemicals air monitoring indicates that the concentrations from April 30 through May 6 may have exceeded the Louisiana Ambient Air Standards for specific species of Volatile Organic Chemicals. The Volatile Organic Chemical concentrations on April 30 and May 2 may have exceeded the highest concentration of Annual Average Standard by as much 50 times. Specific chemicals that make up the total Volatile Organic Chemical concentrations are needed to further evaluate the results. This information has been requested from the Environmental Protection Agency. The Acute Physical Symptoms associated with the Volatile Organic Chemicals have been reported by individuals living and visiting in Venice.

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LEAN is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) is a non-profit organization working to foster communication and cooperation among citizens and groups to address Louisiana's environmental problems.

1 comment:

  1. So sad about the oilslick, in the gulf sence it seems unstoppable, you dont stop highpressure with concrete, domes, bombs.
    The only thing i know that can stop highpressure is sticks. I am certain that those attemps that is planned is borned to fail.
    Which mean we ar facing enviroment catastrophe unseen yet.

    ReplyDelete

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