Ozone Risk Assessment Implementation: Transferring Risk Analysis Technology to Ozone Nonattainment Planning

Abstract

As one input to its current review of the primary national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for ozone, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sponsored an ozone health risk assessment. The first phase was directed at the effects of acute (1–2 hour) ozone exposure. This assessment applied ozone risk analysis techniques to estimate the risk of acute ozone-induced lung function impairment and lower respiratory symptoms in heavy exercisers, the group thought to be at highest risk from acute ozone exposure due to high dosage rates. Multi-hour and chronic ozone effects are being assessed in the second phase, now underway. As a companion effort, the EPA has sponsored an ozone risk assessment implementation project to facilitate the transfer of risk analysis techniques from its ozone health risk assessment to ozone nonattainment planning. This paper describes that ongoing project and results to date. Examples are provided of several air quality modeling-based (EKMA and Urban Airshed Model) and data-based preliminary applications addressing the effects of alternative ozone control programs on ozone air quality, exposure, and health risk.