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Review of the NARSTO Draft Report NARSTO Assessment of the Atmospheric Science on Particulate Matter (2002) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Pages 1-5

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From page 1...
... The committee was formed with input and concurrence from the RSC and FUMEC in accordance with a memorandum of understanding that was approved by the two organizations and the NRC.3 ~ conducting its review, the committee was tasked to consider the stated overall goals and objectives of the assessment, the Airborne particulate matter refers to a broad class of discrete solid particles and liquid droplets of varied chemical composition and size. PM~o is defined as the mass of PM collected by a sampler with a 50°/O size cutoff at 10 Em in aerodynamic diameter; PM2 5 iS the mass of PM collected by a sampler with a 50°/O size cutoff at 2.5 ~m.
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From page 2...
... Within the body of the assessment are technical chapters addressing formation and transport of PM, emission inventories, measurement techniques, ambient PM concentrations, source apportionment and air quality-models, health effects, and visibility. Some analysis of the technical information is provided via recommendations for future research needs and "conceptual descriptions" of the factors that affect observed ambient PM concentrations in nine regions in North America.
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From page 3...
... For example, only one Mexican location, the Mexico City area, was included in the regional descriptions. The committee recommends that the assessment authors expand the representation of Mexico in the assessment, particularly by bringing in several recently completed and current studies in key Mexican cities, to fulfill NARSTO's goal of developing an inclusive North American perspective on PM.
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From page 4...
... As a preliminary step in the assessment process, NARSTO conducted interviews with senior decision-makers in Canada, Mexico, and the United States to help to elucidate policy goals for PM management, gaps in science, how science fits into decision-making, and how to present scientific information. On the basis of those interviews, NARSTO chose to use eight policy questions as the primary mechanism by which the draft executive summary would communicate the state of PM atmospheric science to decision-makers.
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From page 5...
... Each response should also identify additional research needed to answer the policy question and to make better airquality management decisions. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE ASSESSMENTS The committee recommends that NARSTO, in preparing future assessments, enhance its interaction with the policy community.
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