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Several U.S. state and tribal agencies and other countries implement a methodology developed in the arid intermountain western United States, where short-term (1-3 hr) particulate matter (PM) concentrations are estimated from human-observed visual range (Vr) sightings. These PM2.5 concentration estimates are then linked to a public health warning scale to inform the public about potential health impacts from smoke from wildfire. Concerns exist regarding the applicability of this methodology in general in that the similar mass loadings can lead to large variation in observed visual range. This webinar, presented on July 25, 2014 by Bill Malm examines the scientific basis of the VrPM relationship and quantifies uncertainties associated with using it. It makes recommendations on an appropriate use of estimates of visual range to alert the public of potential health impairing levels of mass concentrations.

Video file

Media Record Details

Jul 25, 2014
William C. Malm

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Effects
Smoke & Air Quality

NRFSN number: 12827
FRAMES RCS number: 17894
Record updated: