A statistical model to evaluate the effectiveness of PM2.5 emissions control during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Environ Int. 2012 Sep:44:100-5. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.02.003. Epub 2012 Mar 9.

Abstract

A statistical model was developed using satellite remote sensing data and meteorological parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of air pollution control measures during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Custom satellite retrievals under hazy conditions were included in the modeling dataset to represent the air pollution levels more accurately. This model explained 70% of the PM(2.5) variability during the modeling period from June to October 2008. Using this tool, we estimate that the aggressive emission reduction measures alone effectively lowered PM(2.5) levels by 20-24 μg/m(3) or 27-33% on average during the Games period, which is substantially greater than those reported previously. Since parameters required to develop this model are readily available in most cities of the world, it can be quickly applied after other major events to evaluate air pollution control policy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollution / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Air Pollution / prevention & control
  • Air Pollution / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cities
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Environmental Policy
  • Humans
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Particulate Matter / analysis*
  • Sports*
  • Vehicle Emissions / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Particulate Matter
  • Vehicle Emissions