title: Air quality modeling for policy development.
abstract: Atmospheric models constitute the best tools available for the setting of policy, and may, in some cases, be the only tools that are available. The best examples of their kind bring together all current knowledge of pollutant behavior in the atmosphere, making it possible to unravel the often complex interactions between pollutants and atmospheric dynamics. They also allow the possibility of evaluating hypothetical changes in emissions and other conditions to evaluate potential abatement strategies, or to assess the impact of proposed new emission sources. This paper provides an overview of mathematical atmospheric models and their application to the development of air quality policy. The paper discusses the types of atmospheric models currently in use, categorized by spatial scale, and the requirements for credible modeling. Issues associated with model validity and accuracy are described and case studies are reviewed to illustrate atmospheric model use in policy development and the need for careful analysis in interpreting model predictions.
authors: Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. neville.reid@ene.gov.on.ca
authors: Neville
authors: N
authors: Reid
authors: P K
authors: PK
authors: Misra
authors: Markus
authors: M
authors: Amman
authors: Jeremy
authors: J
authors: Hales
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D001272:Atmosphere / Q000737:chemistry*; D001315:Australia; D002140:California; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009864:Ontario; D010126:Ozone / Q000009:adverse effects; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000009:adverse effects; D011640:Public Policy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012621:Seasons; D013030:Spain; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; D014887:Weather
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; D010126:Ozone