Factor of safety method, application to air and noise pollution

Authors:

• A.E.S. Green,
• Thaddeus Buckley,
• Daniel E. Rio,
• Rufin Makarewicz,
• Alex MacEachern

Abstract

Using an array of air quality indices we calculate air pollution factors of safety for 82 cities in the United States. These factors of safety are based upon reported concentrations of the five major pollutants: TSP, SO₂, CO, NO₂ and O₃. Significant correlations are found between the various factors of safety. The ICAAS index based upon a bi-quadratic form provides a continuous mathematical function which correlates well with the pollution standard index. In addition, some noise pollution factors of safety are given for a number of cities. We consider an adaptation of our procedure which uses a combinatorial rule on risk rather than on scaled concentrations. Some examples of the applications of these indices are discussed; in particular the utilization of the indices for air quality decision making. Special consideration is given to the impact of the recently changed oxidant standard. © 1980.