EPA has initiated an air monitoring effort to ensure the safety of local residents and track any developing air quality changes.

Please visit http://airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/qanda.html#aq for more information.

When did EPA start monitoring air quality in the Gulf states?
EPA responders were on the ground with portable monitoring devices starting on April 28th.  EPA’s twin engine aircraft, ASPECT, was deployed on April 29th to collect air sampling data and provide aerial photographs of the migrating oil slick.  EPA began oil spill specific air monitoring from our TAGA buses on April 30th.

We began water sampling on April 30th and results from water sampling are typically available four days after sample collection. We began coastal sediment sampling on April 30th, and we expect to get results from these samples in the next few days. EPA is closely coordinating with the air monitoring efforts ongoing in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Why is EPA monitoring and sampling the air?
We are sampling the air for vapors that may evaporate from the water/oil mixture in the Gulf as well as for particulate matter that may result from the smoke generated by the controlled burns when they restart.  We are tracking the levels of particulate matter and Volatile Organic Compounds chemicals closely. 

What is particulate matter?
Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution or PM, is a mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles.

The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. EPA is screening for PM that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because those are the particles that generally pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs.  We are not monitoring for PM larger than 10 micrometers because this particle size is generally too large to inhale.

Why is burning the oil slick a good idea?
Controlled burning is one of several techniques that may be used to minimize the consequences of an oil spill by consuming the oil and removing it from the water.

Controlled burn operations will not affect other response activities such as on-water skimming, dispersant application, and subsurface wellhead intervention operations. No populated areas are expected to be affected by the burn operations and there are no anticipated impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles.

Weather, wind, and water conditions are considered and safe distances are adhered to at all times.  Before specially-trained crews ignites the oil, the team performs pre-ignition checks that include communications and safe equipment position verification.  The oil is monitored throughout the burn. If any concerns arise, the burn can be immediately terminated.

I live close to the Gulf Coast, what will I notice?
The BP Oil Spill in the Gulf could cause an odor similar to that of a gas station for communities along the affected coast. 

Is the odor bad for my health? 
This odor may cause symptoms such as headaches or nausea. For your own comfort, limit your exposure to the odor by staying indoors.  To the extent possible, close windows and doors, turn your air conditioner on and set to a recirculation mode.  If you are experiencing severe incidents of nausea or other medical issues, please seek care as soon as possible.

What if the odor gets worse? 
Wind and weather will play a role in the strength of the odors.  Please stay tuned to your local news stations and newspapers for further information.  The gas station-like odor will likely persist over the next few days. You will be notified to take additional precautions if federal and state agencies learn of worsening conditions.

What is causing the odor? 
The odor you may smell contains the same chemicals as the gas you use to fill your car. These chemicals are classified as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), specifically:  benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and naphthalene.  These VOCs can be smelled at levels well below those that would cause health problems. 

What is EPA doing to monitor the air?
EPA is working around to clock to monitor air quality and keep communities informed.  There are currently five active air monitoring systems stationed along the Gulf Coast.

1. EPA has brought in two mobile air monitoring buses equipped with Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzers, or TAGAs, for instant-result air monitoring.  The TAGA Vans will be monitoring the odors as well as other volatile compounds.
2. EPA responders on the ground have portable equipment that can detect any spikes in the levels of odor-causing compounds. 
3. EPA’s twin engine aircraft, ASPECT, was also deployed to collect air sampling data, specifically tasked to detect the presence of increased odors and sulfur dioxide resulting from the oil spill.
4. The state of Louisiana put additional monitors in place in recent days to further monitor the chemical levels in the air.
5. The Gulf Coast states have permanent stationary air monitors that are working to monitor general air quality. Over the next days and weeks of the response to the BP Spill, these monitoring stations will detect possible emissions of pollution from the fires associated with burning off the oil spill.

printer friendly