Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess air quality in the Southeast Community of Newport News, VA by monitoring air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, NO2, and SO2. Currently, there is a lack of community specified air quality data in Newport News despite observed environmental degradation and public health problems.
Methods: Three air sampling sites were located within residential areas of the Southeast Community, while four industrial air sampling sites were chosen based on proximity to potential pollution sources, including traffic emissions, the coal pier, and industrial activities. All of the industrial sites were located on the boundaries of the community. Each site was continuously monitored for eight hours per day and was sampled at least twice for data accuracy. A GRIMM PM monitor was used to measure PM2.5 and PM10 and a MultiRae PRO (model PGM-6248) was used to continuously quantify VOCs, NO2, and SO2.
Results: While average PM2.5 and PM10 from all sample sites were within the acceptable range of EPA air quality criteria, averaged VOCs in the industrial and highway areas were higher than those in the community. Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest a need for long-term monitoring air quality with a series of air pollutants in the community.
Recommended Citation
Hendrick, Michala L.; Jeng, Hueiwang Anna; Lasky, Alexander M.; and Mace, Ryan
(2021)
"Air Quality Monitoring in the Southeast Community in the City of Newport News, VA,"
Virginia Journal of Public Health: Vol. 5:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
Available at:
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/vjph/vol5/iss1/1