Modeling of Concentrations of MSATs (Mobile Source Air Toxics) Along Highways and Near Intersections in Florida: [Summary]

2011PDFTech ReportBDK78 977-06Air pollutionExhaust gasesHealth hazardsMobile sourcesFloridaUnited StatesFlorida. Dept. of TransportationCooper, C. DavidFlorida. Dept. of TransportationUniversity of Central FloridaUS Transportation CollectionMotor vehicles generate many chemicals, mostly derived from diesel and gasoline fuels, but evaporative materials are also generated by brake and tire wear. Some of these chemicals, called Mobile Source Air Toxics, or MSATs, are confirmed to be causative agents of cancer in humans, and so the risks these chemicals pose to human health is of general concern. To date, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not established air quality standards for MSATs, and no maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs) for these compounds have been published. Nevertheless, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) decided to conduct a preliminary examination of the probable limits of MAST concentrations on Florida roadways. To address this question, researchers from the University of Central Florida performed dispersion modeling studies of MSATs of intersections and along Florida highways. Because this modeling is not required, there are no tools specifically designed to perform dispersion calculations for MSATs. Therefore, the researchers adapted existing software. The model CAL3QHC is widely accepted software designed to predict pollutant concentrations at roadway intersections. Originally designed to predict carbon monoxide and a few other pollutants, CAL3QHC was modified by the researchers to allow dispersion modeling of various MSATs. The resulting software was dubbed CAL3MSAT.75