Introduction to the SouthEastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Study experiment (SEARCH)

New, as well as proven measurement technologies combine to establish a detailed aerosol climatology for the Southeast.

Background

In July 1997 EPA revised the national ambient air quality standards for ground-level ozone and particulate matter. EPA's action created a new standard for fine particulate matter. Analysis of the very limited existing data suggests that the new standard will be more difficult to achieve than the older standard and will dramatically increase the number of PM nonattainment areas.

Unlike other criteria pollutants such as ozone, fine particles typically comprise mixtures of hundreds of compounds. Therefore, in order to identify sources of fine particulate matter and to attribute health effects to specific components, we must measure fine particulate matter composition as well as its mass. This study is part of a public-private collaboration with EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) and Southern Company.