Summary of an APCA International Specialty Conference

Abstract

Because man now influences the chemistry of the biosphere in so many important ways, it is essential that we understand the complex interrelationships among the chemicals from natural as well as anthropogenic sources and the factors that influence their life cycles. One important grouping of chemical species which influence the atmosphere are the naturally occurring compounds of sulfur, hydrocarbons, halocarbons and nitrogen. While significant efforts have been directed toward the control of similar anthropogenic air pollutants, very limited support has been provided for developing an understanding of the role of natural emissions in air pollution control. Based on the realization that there may be specific cases where control of anthropogenic sources may have only minimal impact on air quality problems and since resources for basic research on the impacts of natural emissions are limited, the Air Pollution Control Association through the Technical Committee on Interactions with the Total Environment sponsored an International Specialty Conference on the Environmental Impact of Natural Emissions. The following brief report is only intended to convey the flavor of the conference. The transactions of the conference will be available from APCA headquarters and are highly recommended.